The bronzed Aussie | |
Hemochromatosis. Genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. James C Barton, Corwin Q Edwards (editors). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000 (xvi+600pp.). ISBN: 0 521 593808. |
Haemochromatosis is one
of the commonest major inherited disorders in Australia, affecting more than one in 200 of the Caucasian population. This comprehensive yet easily read book spans the breadth of current knowledge about haemochromatosis and iron storage disorders. In addition to chapters covering "standard" knowledge, there are many intriguing chapters on areas not commonly dealt with in other texts, for instance population genetics, theories of pathogenesis, metals other than iron, infection and immunity, and ethical issues of screening for haemochromatosis. There are over 90 contributors from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries. Most are leaders in their particular fields. As a result, this book is a rich source of information for clinicians, particularly those who manage patients with iron storage disorders, and a useful resource for the clinical or laboratory researcher in iron metabolism and haemochromatosis. At about $400 it is reasonably priced, given the size of the book and the quality of the work. On the negative side, there is some lack of cohesion and a few chapters overlap in content - not unexpected with over 90 contributors. The rapid advances in knowledge in this area in recent years, and the time taken to write and publish a major work such as this, have resulted in some areas being slightly out of date. These flaws are minor in relation to the overall high quality of the work. Who should buy this book? Medical libraries, gastroenterology, hepatology, haematology and genetics units, and clinicians and researchers with an interest in haemochromatosis. For those who are fascinated by this disease, it is enjoyable reading. Mark Bassett
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