With this issue, Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease (ACKD) begins its 16th year of publication. First titled Advances in Renal Replacement Therapy, it was initiated in 1994 as a journal of the National Kidney Foundation, with content intended to reflect the multidisciplinary care of patients with kidney disease. Under the capable editorship of Dr Alan Nissenson, each quarterly issue brought to the fore concise and precise compilations of topics devoted primarily to end-stage renal disease. Dr James Winchester succeeded Dr Nissenson as Editor in 1999 and continued this well-received editorial focus.
In 2004, Dr Wendy Brown began her tenure as Editor of the journal. Under her stewardship and with the support of her exceptional Managing Editor, Linda Hare, and her Editorial Board, the journal continued to flourish. The editorial focus of the journal broadened considerably to include coverage of not only end-stage renal disease but also the care and management of persons with early kidney disease and kidney failure as well as those at risk for kidney disease. Topics covered the early identification of kidney disease, the prevention or delay in the progression of kidney disease, and the multidisciplinary case management of patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
To reflect the change in focus and after much thoughtful discussion with the journal's Editorial Board and National Kidney Foundation leadership, the journal changed its title to ACKD upon publication of the April 2004 issue. Along with the title change, the appearance of the journal changed as well. The cover was redesigned to accommodate the new title. As the History Section Editor, Dr Garabed Eknoyan contributed evocative cover images that accompanied his articles on unique historical perspectives tracing the development of the management of kidney diseases.
It is within the substantial shadow cast by these exceptional Editors that I begin my tenure as Editor of ACKD. The ultimate form of flattery being imitation, ACKD will expand on the traditions established by my predecessors. Coincident with the exponentially increasing knowledge of chronic kidney disease, I hope to provide even more granular topics within our editorial focus. The journal will revisit the past as it presents fresh insights into older topics while it continues to capture what is new in kidney disease. In this inaugural year, ACKD will cover kidney stones, a public health problem notable for the absenteeism it generates; the anemia of chronic kidney disease; the current status of nocturnal dialytic care; multiorgan kidney transplantation; interventional nephrology with the nephrologist not as a fan but a player; and exercise physiology in chronic kidney disease.
Some exciting changes are in store for ACKD starting in this 16th year of publication. The journal is increasing its frequency from quarterly to bimonthly, now publishing in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Also, in addition to all National Kidney Foundation Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians members, all National Kidney Foundation physician members will receive ACKD as a benefit of membership. To commemorate these changes, the journal cover has been modified to emphasize our acronym, and we look forward to including Dr Eknoyan's cover figure selections as frequently as appropriate.
With the support of Deputy Editor Dr Michael Choi, our insightful and vigorous Editorial Board, and Managing Editor Nandita Mani, ACKD promises to continue its legacy and bring our readers content essential to the best management of our patients with chronic kidney disease. We hope that you will enjoy ACKD's journey during the next 5 years, and we are most pleased that you will accompany us. Please let us hear from you with comments and suggestions.
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