As was the case with the first version of these guidelines for the detection, monitoring and care of patients with CKD, published in 2007, this update follows the publication  of National Guidelines applicable to England and Wales (National Institute for Health  and Clinical Excellence, NICE) [1], and Scotland (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, SIGN) [2]. This situation has produced for us as authors both advantages  and challenges. On the one hand we have been able to draw on the comprehensive  reviews of published evidence presented in the NICE and SIGN guidelines. Given this  situation, we have not attempted to duplicate the excellent work already done by these  guideline development groups and will present only a brief rationale for each  guideline, rather than an exhaustive review of the literature. On the other hand, we  face the challenge of producing a guideline that is compatible with both National
Guidelines despite minor differences between them. In an effort to produce unified  guidance applicable to all members of the Renal Association, we have attempted to  phrase all guideline statements to be compatible with both the NICE and SIGN  guidance.