Book review of: “Handbook of Dialysis 5th Edition”, edited by J.T. Daugirdas, P.G. Blake, T.S. Ing

The fifth edition of the Handbook of Dialysis, a well-established educational resource in the field, has been largely revised with the aim of providing a practical tool for both the new and the experienced nephrologists as well for other renal care providers in their daily commitment of assuring the best treatment for dialysis patients. Practical and accessible information on all aspects of dialysis have been included in the book, with an emphasis on day-to-day patient management.

The overall design of the book is practice-oriented: chapters provide complete coverage of blood-based therapies (hemodialysis and other techniques), peritoneal dialysis, special problems in dialysis patients, and problems pertaining to various organ systems.

Of interest to the readers of The Journal of Vascular Access, particular attention is paid to dialysis access. Four chapters are dedicated to hemodialysis access, covering the basics of arteriovenous (AV) fistulae and grafts; the basics of central venous catheters; AV access monitoring and complications; venous catheters infections and other complications. Placement and care of peritoneal dialysis catheters are also described in a dedicated chapter.

The clinical problem area is also of great interest, because specific complications of dialysis (i.e., anemia, bone and mineral disease, hypertension) or the approach to specific problems, such as diabetes mellitus related issues, are addressed in depth.

Each chapter provides a good number of references and suggested readings as well as references to relevant web sites. The book purchase includes a free enhanced eBook that can be downloaded once in different possible formats (iOS, Android, PC, and MAC).

Many different professional figures may be interested in this book: nephrologists, nephrology/renal nurses, family physicians, and nonnephrologists involved with vascular access procedures, such as surgeons and interventional radiologists. Besides the already mentioned interesting chapters on dialysis access, the book is a good resource for who is willing to better understand dialysis modalities and their complications.

In summary, the new fifth edition of the Handbook of Dialysis delivers updated information that will be useful in the day-to-day practice and it remains a comprehensive reference book on renal replacement therapy. John Daugirdas, Peter Blake, and Todd Ing are three outstanding nephrologists and their experience in clinical care and in education can be appreciated.