Management of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD)

The number of patients with advanced kidney disease requiring dialysis is increasing in all parts of the world. Managing patients as they transition onto dialysis and providing support and guidance as they make important treatment choices are essential components of a nephrologist’s job. Ensuring timely preparation for dialysis, allowing patients the opportunity to explore all options, including conservative care, and managing individual expectations of dialysis are increasingly important. All nephrologists will manage patients treated with dialysis and therefore it is imperative that they have a sound understanding of different dialysis modalities, how to assess the adequacy of dialysis, and the commonly encountered medical problems dialysis patients experience.