Proteinuria--the future?

Classification of proteinurias, based on physiopathology, was first comprehensively achieved about 1966 [Hardwicke 1970]. This classification, sometimes with minor modifications, has now received widespread acceptance, and the current status of proteinuria has been recently reviewed [Pesce and Furst 1979]. In this short talk I will not attempt to review again the whole field, but will rather try to highlight a few outstanding areas where inconsistencies remain, and where new advances are likely to be made in the next few years. In doing so I hope that I may convince you that the study of proteinuria is by no means exhausted, but is likely to remain a rich field of clinical research for some years to come.