Clinical Nephrotoxins

Book excerpt: GEORGE A. PORTER information is an international commodity whose The field of clinical nephrotoxicity involves toxins of interpretation and application are strongly influenced diverse origin and exposure. A significant contribution by both the cultural and ethnic background of the to this problem arises from registered and non-regis observer. The opportunity to share in the rich diversity tered drugs either prescribed or purchased over the of the international scientific community was a fun counter. Another major contributor comes from occu pational or industrial exposures. Each situation pre damental goal of this endeavor. To participate as sents the nephrologist with unique challenges con equals leads to mutual respect and peer appreciation. cerning diagnosis, confirrnation, and treatment includ The sharing of intellectual resources which such an ing limitation from future exposure. In selecting drugs effort fosters, should facilitate the advancement of for inclusions in this book the editors were guided by sound science. both frequency and current knowledge. For occupa Our approach to the field of nephrotoxicity is from tionall environmental exposures similar guidelines the perspective of a book which will be of value to the were applied. As one reviews the world's literature clinician. In this respect we have chosen compounds concerning nephrotoxicity two types of investigation wh ich are of current importance to the nephrologist and his/her patient rather than of historical interest.