The book at hand is the 6th volume in this series which is published annually on the occasion of the International Conference on Dialysis organized by the Renal Research Institute, New York, in collaboration with the Department of Nephrology of the San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, Italy. This latest volume contains discussions of epidemiological data and risk factors for morbid conditions in hemodialysis - stressing the importance of co-morbidities in the final outcome of dialysis patients - including contributions on phosphate kinetics, hyperphosphatemia or the effect of daily hemodialysis on monocyte apoptosis. Moreover, special attention is paid to new technologies such as ultrasound elasticity imaging and monitoring of home hemodialysis or vascular access, underlining the fact that technology cannot be a surrogate for good clinical practice and meticulous care of patients. Covering a broad spectrum of topics, this publication is a most helpful reference tool for both clinicians and basic investigators involved in hemodialysis.