Guillermo A. Herrera Livres

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of renal diseases and the ability to accurately classify and diagnose them has improved considerably over the last two decades. Until now, however, this information has not been available in a single, up-to-date and succinct yet comprehensive source. The publication at hand aims at filling this gap, condensing a vast amount of information into easily accessible chapters. After a discussion of basic concepts and principles of renal tissue reactions to injurious agents using a specific cell/compartment approach, a multitude of disorders are looked at, including renal interstitial fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, various forms of glomerulonephritis and nephropathy, amyloidosis and renal Fanconi syndrome. Some of the chapters address controversial subjects, reporting the current situation and showing areas of future potential research interest. At the end of many of the contributions, a summary is provided, often in the form of a chart to facilitate the understanding of the information and to make it most useful for didactic purposes. This book is intended for students of various disciplines, as well as clinicians and investigators and all those trying to correlate basic research information with clinical issues.

In recent years, the knowledge of how renal damage occurs in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias / myeloma has substantially increased. For the first time, this publication brings together issues relating to the diagnosis and pathogenesis of these disorders, as well as a summary of advances achieved in the treatment and management of patients. Several chapters are devoted to various glomerulopathies associated with deposition of immunoglobulin light and heavy chains, including those associated with amyloidosis. The sequential events are pointed out, crucial steps and key molecules open to modulation or control are delineated, and therapeutic advances are highlighted. Although the emphasis is on the management of cases with renal involvement, a distinct focus on the diseases as a whole and their impact on patients’ general health and prognosis has been maintained throughout the discussions. Using a translational approach to renal manifestations in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias / myelomas, this publication conveys a comprehensive state-of-the-art view of the subject. It is aimed at practicing renal pathologists, nephrologists, internists and hematologists, as well as at trainees and scientists working in these specialties.