This document is a Clinical Practice Guideline based on systematic literature searches conducted in January 2011, supplemented with additional evidence through February 2012. It aims to provide information and assist in decision-making, but is not intended to define a standard of care. Clinicians are encouraged to consider individual patient needs, available resources, and institutional limitations when applying the guidelines. The research recommendations are general and do not imply a specific protocol. Section II outlines the Disclosure process. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Working Group strives to avoid conflicts of interest. All members must disclose any potential conflicts. This document is updated annually, and all disclosure information is published in the Work Group members' Biographic and Disclosure Information section. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) holds the information on file. Copyright ©2012 by KDIGO. All rights are reserved. Single photocopies may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Educational institutions may request special rates for non-profit educational use. No part of this publication may be reproduced, amended, or transmitted without explicit permission from KDIGO. For more information on permissions, contact Danielle Green at danielle.green@kdigo.org. The document also states that KDIGO, Kidney International Supplements, NKF, and the authors assume no liability for any injury or damage resulting from the use of the guidelines.This document is a Clinical Practice Guideline based on systematic literature searches conducted in January 2011, supplemented with additional evidence through February 2012. It aims to provide information and assist in decision-making, but is not intended to define a standard of care. Clinicians are encouraged to consider individual patient needs, available resources, and institutional limitations when applying the guidelines. The research recommendations are general and do not imply a specific protocol. Section II outlines the Disclosure process. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Working Group strives to avoid conflicts of interest. All members must disclose any potential conflicts. This document is updated annually, and all disclosure information is published in the Work Group members' Biographic and Disclosure Information section. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) holds the information on file. Copyright ©2012 by KDIGO. All rights are reserved. Single photocopies may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Educational institutions may request special rates for non-profit educational use. No part of this publication may be reproduced, amended, or transmitted without explicit permission from KDIGO. For more information on permissions, contact Danielle Green at danielle.green@kdigo.org. The document also states that KDIGO, Kidney International Supplements, NKF, and the authors assume no liability for any injury or damage resulting from the use of the guidelines.