Innovation In Nephrology

Our world is facing unprecedented technological development, which affects all the sectors of society. The 4th industrial revolution has brought numerous advances that are currently integrated in our daily life, including artificial intelligence (A.I.), internet of things (IoT), genetic engineering, 3D-printing and robotics. The health care sector is one of the most impacted by these technologies of the so-called digital era. From the simple advent of medical records to robotic surgery, health care has significantly changed from the XX to XXI century and is constantly changing, incorporating novel technologies. Nephrology is itself an innovative branch of medicine, created as a discipline in the 1960s, with breakthrough inventions, such as the dialysis machine, which made it possible to prolong life of those who suffer from chronic kidney disease; kidney transplant, with point-of-care immunosuppression that favours maintenance of kidney allografts for long years; kidney biopsy, which made it possible to discover the mysteries of glomerulonephritis and nephropathology. Novel technologies, such as A.I., IoT, robotics, stem cells, 3D-printing, mHealth, eHealth and several others are starting to be applied in nephrology, with promising results. It is possible that a great part of these technologies will become routinely available in clinical practice, and the burden of kidney diseases will significantly decrease once prevention, prediction, detection, monitoring and treatment of kidney diseases are more precise, with patients taking part in the process and becoming more and more connected. This book gathers essential information on the technologies that have been applied in nephrology and that can be applied in the future, with real possibilities of improving the care of kidney diseases. At first glance, this work is directed to the entire nephrology community and all the healthcare professionals that deal with kidney diseases. Researchers from different fields, not directly linked to nephrology, may also be interested in the book since many of the topics presented are related to other areas and serve as examples of their uses in medicine, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data. Finally, the content provides an important resource to medical students, discussing technologies that will certainly be integrated in their professional practice.

In consultation with Consulting Editor, Dr. Stephen Krau, Dr. Farrar and Dr. Ellison have created an issue that focuses on evidence-based clinical updates and innovations in various nephrology disorders. Top experts on the topic have contributed reviews on the follwoing topics: Kidney Influence on Fluids and Electrolytes; Renal Diet; Pharmacologic Renal Therapy; Acute Renal Therapy; Chronic Renal Therapy; Innovations in Kidney; Autoimmune Disease; Infection-Related Glomerular Disease; Sclerotic Diseases; Obstructive Renal Diseases; Chronic Renal Complications; Psychosocial Issues and Life Style Changes for the Renal Patient; and Withdrawal of Treatment (end of life decisions). Authors will come away with the clinical knowledge they need to improve outcomes in the nephrotic patient.

Innovation in Nephrology: Technology Development and Commercialization Handbook is a step-by-step guide to nephrology technology innovation reflects recent trends of industry globalization and value-conscious healthcare. Written by a team of medical, engineering, and business experts, the authors provide a comprehensive resource that leads clinicians, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs through a clear process for the identification, invention, and implementation of new solutions. Case studies on innovative products from around the world, successes and failures, practical advice, and end-of-chapter 'Getting Started' sections encourage readers to learn from real projects and apply important lessons to their own work. In short, this book will be of interest to every nephrologist who has ever had a good idea for an invention but does not know where and how to start bringing it to the bedside.

Despite constant significant advances, cardiovascular as well as more general outcomes of hemodialysis treatment remain unsatisfactory. The introduction of innovative 'high retention onset' membranes has led to the development of a new treatment modality called 'expanded hemodialysis' (HDx), which is the focus of this book. This new therapy is likely to benefit end-stage kidney disease patients, thanks to enhanced removal of molecules retained by current dialysis techniques. HDx is simple to set up and application does not require special hardware or specific nursing skills. This book contains emerging evidence and fascinating new hypotheses on HDx. It is highly recommended for all physicians and healthcare professionals who are caring for dialysis patients and are seeking innovation and improved care solutions. It will also be of considerable interest to students and fellows.

Nephrology is one of the fastest growing specialties in medicine. Nevertheless, kidney disease is one of the most serious unmet health needs in many countries. To provide healthcare access with the desirable equity worldwide, the nephrology community needs to discuss this public health issue and take part in decisions for elaboration of public health policies with more justice and equity. This book brings together key current public health problems that affect kidney function and illuminates them in contributions by an international group of nephrologists and general practitioners. The chapters review current knowledge and provide guidelines to manage these conditions and decrease the disease burden. At the end, developments in the digital era and their application to kidney disease treatment are synthesized, and a broader outlook on the future of nephrology is given. Ultimately, the publication aims to gather nephrology and public health expertise from researchers from all over the world, providing a broad vision of issues that must be discussed and overcome to guarantee a better treatment for patients with kidney diseases in the world today.

This second edition expands upon the previous volume with additional emphasis on recent innovation in basic renal research and has a more holistic approach on associated disorders such as complications associated with peritoneal dialysis, ischemic acute kidney injury, the sympathetic nervous system, and vascular calcification. The book is divided into five parts: Part I provides a number of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models of kidney disease and associated complications; Part II looks at recent advances in imaging techniques; Part III covers recent developments in studying metabolism in renal ischemia and reperfusion; Part IV addresses study and measurement of vascular calcification; and Part V explores analytical techniques that are both topical and of widespread relevance to the study of experimental renal disease. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Kidney Research: Experimental Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable collection of protocols useful to new and experienced researchers who are interested in the field of Nephrology.

Nephrology is an area of medical science that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and management of various kidney diseases and disorders. Some common kidney diseases and conditions treated under nephrology include chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury and kidney stones. Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Acute kidney injury refers to the sudden and temporary loss of kidney function, often caused by conditions such as severe infections, dehydration, medications, or reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Kidney stones are hard deposits formed in the kidneys. They can be treated through medications, dietary changes and lifestyle modifications. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of nephrology which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.

The in-depth study of kidneys along with their diseases is known as nephrology. Nanonephrology and onconephrology are two significant and upcoming branches of nephrology. Nanopherology deals with the study of kidney cells and the nanoparticles which are useful in treating several kidney diseases. Onconephrology deals with the study of kidney diseases in cancer patients. Kidney diseases cause a loss of kidney function which can potentially result in renal failure and the complete loss of kidney function. The most common and the most effective treatments for treating kidney diseases include renal replacement therapy, proper diet and medications. Renal replacement therapy involves dialysis and kidney transplantation. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of nephrology which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. The topics included herein are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. This book, with its detailed analyses and data, will prove immensely beneficial to professionals and students involved in this field at various levels.