Populations on dialysis are showing a rapid worldwide increase. In developed countries, remarkable increases in elderly patients and those with diabetes have been noted. In devel‐ oping countries, changes in life style and economic development have made hemodialysis (HD) therapy available to many more patients. In this special issue, reviews of various as‐ pects of HD therapy were submitted from both groups. In particular, various methods for vascular access were discussed by many contributors. From these reviews, the reader will gain precious.
