The Changing Emphasis in the Management of Renal Diseases

Abstract

The antigen-antibody thesis of the pathogenesis of nephritis led to the trials of nitrogen mustard, ACTH and cortisone. They proved useful in a limited group of nephrotic patients but not in nephritis. The management of renal insufficiency is directed toward the maintenance of the internal environment of the body rather than elimination. The artificial kidney and other extrarenal diffusion methods are designed to serve these functions for short periods. Hence their greatest usefulness is in patients with reversible renal injury.