This new addition to the 'Year in' series reviews new developments in nephrology and renal medicine. The contributors review the continuing advances in our understanding of renal physiology which, combined with studies of genetics and the epidemiology of disease are now providing a more complete picture of inherited renal disease and in particular its incidence among ethnic minorities. Also discussed are the latest strategies for the treatment, and prevention of renal failure, nephropathy and glomerulonephritis, as well as chronic renal disease such as diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. The book concludes with an overview of new developments in the management of end stage renal disease, including haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation.