The history of the ISRNM

Formation of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism

The 5th International Congress was held in Straßbourg, France from 1-4 September, 1988. Henri Jahn chaired the local organizing committee. A total of 183 scientific papers were presented (73 invited and free communications and 110 posters). Parallel meetings were also organised for the 1st time for the 72 renal dietitians with 20 presentations. The major emphasis during this congress concerned nutritional factors affecting the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure, the current status of clinical trials of dietary treatment of progressive renal disease, the compliance of prescribed diet, and the metabolism of nutrients in both chronic and acute renal failure or the nephrotic syndrome. Also addressed were the effects of carnitine treatment, the pathogenesis and treatment of hyper catabolism in acute and chronic renal failure and new developments in parenteral nutrition including the use of intravenous peptides. At this meeting it was decided to found the International Society of Renal and Metabolism (ISRNM) and the Society was formally established in December 1988. The following members were nominated by a committee of the initial councillors and officers: Claude Jacobs (France), Gianfranco Guarnieri (Italy) and George Kaysen (USA). This resulted in the election of the 1st President: Joel D. Kopple (USA), Vice President August. Heidland (Germany), William E. Mitch (USA), Treasurer and Council members Jonas Bergstrom (Sweden), Carmello Giordano (Italy), Walter H Horl (Austria), Henri Jahn (France), Saulo Klahr (USA), Shaul G Massry (USA), Mackenzie Walser (USA). The Society would from now onwards be responsible for conducting future congresses. (5) The Farewell Dinner was held in the Alsatian country side at the “Auberge de Kochersberg”.