Acute renal failure is present in up to 5 per cent of all hospital admissions and continues to carry considerable morbidity and mortality. The problem of chronically impaired kidney function is relevant to all medical practitioners regardless of their specialist interest. In addition, regular contact with patients who are dialysis-dependent or have undergone renal transplantation is now the norm, not the exception. Based on the "Oxford Textbook of Clinical Nephrology" and companion to the "Oxford Handbook of Dialysis", the "Oxford Handbook of Nephrology and Hypertension" provides clear information and practical advice about the day to day management of patients with renal disease. The handbook includes practical information helpful to those working 'at the coal face', in addition to the more detailed knowledge that enables effective ongoing patient care. In line with contemporary nephrological practice, a significant portion of the handbook deals with the problem of hypertension, a major cardiovascular risk factor and the commonest indication for prescription drug therapy. Clinical importance is measured in space, so diabetic nephropathy is given more attention than, for example, Anderson-Fabry disease. The section on renal replacement therapy gives an overview of the essential elements of both dialysis and transplantation. The handbook is laid out in twelve chapters that allow easy access to information on a particular clinical subject. To help ensure relevance and accuracy, each of these chapters has been prepared with the assistance of an acknowledged expert in the field. This is the essential resource for all those working with renal patients including Specialist Registrars in nephrology, SHOs and interns, renal nurses and general practitioners.