When the kidney fails its intended mission to manage the body’s waste products, physicians must perform multi-level and simultaneous adjustments to replicate kidney function. The management of the body’s absorption, reabsorption, utilization and excretion of calcium and phosphate requires constant fine tuning. This book provides an overview of the state-of-the-art clinical and basic science aspects of abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism and its management.

We present to our readers the proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Phosphate. A short account of the history of the effort led to the Phosphate Workshops is appro priate and can be of interest to the reader. The idea for Phosphate Workshops was born in the early days of November, 1974. One of us (S. G. M. ) suggested the thought to a group of scientists gathered for a luncheon in one of the attrac tive small restaurants in Weisbaden, Germany. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together interested scientists to discuss the newer developments and the recent advances in the field of phosphate metabolism and the other related minerals. An Organizing Committee made of Shaul G. Massry (USA), Louis V. Avioli (USA), Philippe Bordier (France), Herbert Fleisch (Switzerland), and Eduardo Slatopolsky (USA) was formed. The First Workshop was held in Paris during June 5-6, 1975 and was hosted by Dr. Philippe Bordier. Its proceeding was already published. The Second Workshop took place in Heidelberg during June 28-30, 1976 and was hosted by Dr. Eberhard Ritz. Both of these workshops were extremely successful scientific endeavors, and the need for them was demonstrated by the great interest they generated among the scientific community. The Or ganizing Committee, therefore, decided to continue with the tradi tion to hold additional Workshops annually or every other year.

Rev. ed. of: Paediatric nephrology / Lesley Rees, Nicolas J.A. Webb, Paul A. Brogan. 2007.

The enormous progress made during the last decade has resulted in a better conceptual understanding of mineral ion metabolism in general. With regard to chronic kidney disease, the two most affected nutrients are phosphate and vitamin D. This book provides an overview of the physiological aspects of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, and how their pathological dysregulation facilitates advancement of chronic kidney disease. It looks into the complex molecular and organ cross-talks during disease progression that range from the involvement of fibroblast growth factor (FGF23)-klotho system to impaired phosphate transport to hormonal dysfunctions of PTH and vitamin D. Each chapter clearly presents the clinically and biologically important problems and lists the key unsolved issues related to chronic kidney disease and beyond. Illustrations explaining multi-factorial and multi-organ interactions provide an easy outline for the reader to appreciate the complex biological pathways. For those without prior familiarity with the subject matter, this volume may serve as a quick reference to get updated information on phosphate and vitamin D metabolism.

Here is an extensive update of Pediatric Nephrology, which has become the standard reference text in the field. It is global in perspective and reflects the international group of editors, who are well-recognized experts in pediatric nephrology. Within this text, the development of kidney structure and function is followed by detailed and comprehensive chapters on all childhood kidney diseases.