Preface

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recently recognized by the United Nations as a major non-communicable disease that poses significant health burden to the world population. This book offers novel insights on topics such as congenital obstructive nephropathy, cerebral-renal salt wasting, and the role of hemoglobin variability in clinical outcomes of CKD which are not very often discussed in the literature. Two related topics, primary aldosteronism and the role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the development of hypertension in CKD patients are also discussed. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), characterized by a rapid reduction in kidney function, is more common in hospitalized patients and is an independent risk factor for mortality. Dr. Khanal Namrata discusses the epidemiology, causes and outcome of obstetric acute kidney injury in this book. Polycystic Kidney Diseases (PKD) are a group of genetic diseases affecting nearly 12 million people worldwide and there has been a significant interest and progress in the understanding of these diseases. Two often overlooked topics, the role of extracellular matrix abnormalities in PKD cystogenesis and progression, and the role of angiogenesis in ADPKD pathogenesis provide critical insights into these topics. With comprehensive and insightful reviews by eminent clinicians and scientists in the field, this book is a valuable tool for nephrologists.

> **Dr. S. Vijayakumar, Ph.D** Pediatric Nephrology University of Rochester Medical Center USA

**Part 1** 

**Acute and Chronic Kidney Diseases** 
