The clinical consequences and available treatment options for uremic toxicity, renal bone disease and vascular calcifications in CKD patients (Vanholder, Spasovski, Hutchison) were discussed since there was a great interest of the majority of participants who are linked to the work done at dialysis units. Recent news about erythropoiesis stimulating factors and still permanent problem of the region with hepatitis C in dialysis patients were presented by Wiecek and Polenakovic. The factors that might influence the frequency of peritoneal dialysis application and loss of peritoneal function were ascertained by Van Biesen and Jorres. At the end of the day, it was worth introducing the topic of management of the waiting list and kidney allocation system (Mayer) in order to promote a still unsatisfactorily developed cadaveric transplantation programme in the region itself. In addition, the risk factors associated with the deterioration of renal function after kidney transplantation and the possible benefit from the protocol biopsies was discussed (Seron).

It could be said that the course has raised the scientific curiosity thus promoting further ideas for research and collaboration among the participants. On the other hand, the up-dated clinical knowledge and better insight into the everyday clinical practice might in turn bring an appropriate benefit not only for CKD patients but also for the Health Care Systems as well.

Looking at the high number of attendees it was confirmed once again that science is universal, without any political boundaries, as well as the young nephrologists’ desire for scientific up-dating at these high-level scientific events in their surrounding.

The winners of the two ERA-EDTA special travel grants for those young participants who would not be able to sustain the travel costs to participate in this CME course were: Dr. Alina Ioanitza (Romania) and Dr. Eugene Tarasov (Russia).
As part of the social programme for participants and speakers the city centre of Skopje was visited by night and a farewell dinner with live music and a performance by some colleagues was generously supported by F. Hoffmann - La Roche Ltd.
I extend my warmest regards to all participants to the Course with hope they will remember it as a memorable scientific and social event in Skopje.