Disclaimer

SECTION I: USE OF THE CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES This Clinical Practice Guideline document is based on the best information available as of March 2009, with a final updated literature search of December 2008. It is designed to provide information and assist decision-making. It is not intended to define a standard of care, and should not be construed as one, nor should it be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive course of management. Variations in practice will inevitably and appropriately occur when clinicians take into account the needs of individual patients, available resources, and limitations unique to an institution or type of practice. Every health-care professional making use of these recommendations is responsible for evaluating the appropriateness of applying them in the setting of any particular clinical situation. The recommendations for research contained within this document are general and do not imply a specific protocol. SECTION II: DISCLOSURE Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) makes every effort to avoid any actual or reasonably perceived conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of an outside relationship or a personal, professional, or business interest of a member of the Work Group. All members of the Work Group are required to complete, sign, and submit a disclosure and attestation form showing all such relationships that might be perceived or actual conflicts of interest. This document is updated annually and information is adjusted accordingly. All reported information is published in its entirety at the end of this document in the Work Group members’ Biographical and Disclosure Information section, and is kept on file at the KDIGO administration office. KDIGO gratefully acknowledges the following consortium of sponsors that make our initiatives possible: Abbott, Amgen, Belo Foundation, Coca-Cola Company, Dole Food Company, Genzyme, JC Penney, NATCO—The Organization for Transplant Professionals, National Kidney Foundation—Board of Directors, Novartis, Robert and Jane Cizik Foundation, Roche, Shire, Transwestern Commercial Services, and Wyeth.