Chapters authored
Vitamin D and Renal Disease
The metabolism of vitamin D (VD) is severely impaired in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Uremia is not only associated with the reduction of its active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D but also in the reduction of all VD metabolites. CKD-associated abnormalities in VD are part of the CKD-related mineral-bone disease. However, VD has beneficial effect on the kidneys due to its pleiotropic effects, namely, antiproteinuric effect and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system suppression, thus making the relationship between VD and the kidney even more complicated. The aim of our chapter is to reveal the changes in vitamin D axis in CKD, to outline the possible beneficial effects of vitamin D in renal patients, including end-stage renal patients and kidney transplant recipients, and to address the current opinions concerning treatment with cholecalciferol, calcitriol, and vitamin D analogs.
Part of the book: A Critical Evaluation of Vitamin D
Plasma Exchange in Clinical Practice
Plasma exchange (PEX) is a treatment method with increasing range of indications. However, due to the small number of randomized trials, its effectiveness is still under debate in certain conditions. The aim of our chapter is to present the major principles of PEX, discuss safety issues and reveal current data for treatment effectiveness of the method. Novel indications for PEX will also be discussed.
Part of the book: Plasma Medicine