During the last decade facilities for treating patients with end-stage renal failure have expanded in all Westernized countries. Partly as a consequence, interest has been stimulated in many multisystem dis- eases which may progress to chronic renal failure. Some of these diseases such as diabetes mellitus are common but still have con- troversial aspects to their investigation and management. Others such as lupus nephritis are relatively rare but respond well to recent advances in therapy. In addition to diabetes mellitus and lupus nephritis this volume has chapters on multiple myeloma and Henoch-Schonlein purpura. All the chapters have been written by ackl10wiedged experts who have emphasized the practical aspects of patient management. The infor- mation contained in this volume should thus prove of interest not only to nephrologists but to all practising clinicians. VII ABOUT THE EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera- peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Physician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Peter Bent Brighton Hos- pital, Boston, USA. He is a member of many medical societies includ- ing the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland, the Renal Association and the Transplantation Society. He has published widely on transplant and reproductive immunology, calcium metab- olism and general nephrology.