Kidney disease affects approximately ten percent of the population worldwide, with more than 2.6 million individuals estimated to be receiving renal replacement therapy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is fast becoming a major public health issue, with increasing incidence and death rates throughout the world. Many strategies have been proposed to reduce the growing burden of kidney disease; but while early identification and improved access to renal replacement therapies and transplantation are important, they are unlikely to solve this enormous problem. Efforts focused on primary prevention, protection, and slowing the progression of kidney disease are needed as well. Renal protection is a vital and critical component of protecting the kidneys, promoting recovery, and preventing further renal loss, yet observational data suggests that awareness of renal protection remains low and the concept of renal protection under-recognized.

Kidney Protection: Strategies for Renal Preservation Function in Acute and Chronic Disease is a clinically focused review that aims to address this awareness and knowledge gap. It assembles clinically pertinent information in a concise and lucid format with the goal of helping the clinician protect the kidneys, whether in the ICU, perioperative, or out-patient setting. The authors' interdisciplinary approach is inclusive of nephrology, urology, critical care, anesthesia, and emergency medicine. Chapters review understanding kidney disease, general concepts in protecting renal function, patient selection, assessment, pharmacologic issues, and kidney protection in systemic illness. The latest evidence-based practical guidelines for optimal renal outcomes are also included.