Chronic renal failure. The primary care physician's role.

Recent developments in understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure have provided a sound basis for several measures which, when instituted early in the course of renal disease, can delay progression to end-stage kidney disease and considerably improved the symptoms of uremic syndrome. This article outlines the key role that the primary care physician plays in early diagnosis of chronic renal disease and institution of appropriate therapy well before the nephrologist's services are needed.