We are pleased to present our readers the Proceedings of the International Symposium "New Perspectives in Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Arteriovenous Hemofiltration, and Plasma- pheresis" which was held in Freiburg i. Br. (FRG) during Oct- tober 6-8, 1988. The meeting was held on the occasion of opening the new dialysis unit of the University Hospital of Freiburg i. Br .. The topics discussed included membrane biocompatibility, catabolic factors associated with dialysis therapy, phar- macological therapy in dialyzed patients, erythropoietin and renal anemia, new developments in CAVH, CAPD and plasmapheresis, renal replacement therapy in acute renal failure, and plasmapheresis therapy in systemic diseases. It was unfortunately impossible in this volume, to include the extended, lively and stimulating discussions which were enjoyed by the participants during the conference. The meeting has provided an unique framework for close interaction between scientists from various disciplines, including nephrology, pharmacology, hematology, cardiology, anesthesiology, surgery, intensive care medicine, and patho- logy. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for all those who have stimulated, encouraged and supported us to hold the symposium in Freiburg. This endeaver could not have been possible without the generous financial support of Asid-Bonz (BOblingen), Bayer AG (Leverkusen), Bayropharm GmbH (Koln), Baxter (Munchen), Ciba-Geigy (Wehr/Baden), Cilag GmbH (Sulzbach), Fresenius AG (Oberursel), Gambro (Martinsried), Gry Pharma GmbH (Kirchzarten), Hoechst AG (Frankfurt), Hospal (Nurnberg), Knoll AG (Ludwigshafen), Lederle-Cyanamid (Wolfratshausen), E. Merck (Darmstadt), MSD Sharp and Dohme GmbH (Munchen), Pfizer GmbH (Karlsruhe), and pfrimmer and Co (Erlangen) .