From The New England Journal of Medicine, May 17, 2001
Fifteen years ago, H. Franklin Bunn and Bernard G. Forget published their second book on hemoglobin, entitled Hemoglobin: Molecular, Genetic and Clinical Aspects (Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 1986). In the first, entitled Hemoglobinopathies (Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 1977), they were joined by Helen M. Ranney, the doyenne of hemoglobin studies. In those books, the authors described the length and breadth of hemoglobin, the molecule that ushered in the molecular biologic revolution in clinical medicine. The two books stand as examples of fine writing by experienced physician-scientists who have made extraordinary contributions to the field. The study of hemoglobin has grown at such a pace that Forget and his colleagues have forgone an attempt to write a similar book. In its place, we have a multiauthored book, Disorders of Hemoglobin: Genetics, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management, which might be considered the grandchild of the work by Bunn, Forget, and Ranney. The editors themselves are important contributors to the book, and they have marshaled a group of chapter authors who are, for the most part, masters in the field. The first chapter, by Ranney, sets the stage by providing a comprehensive historical perspective. The high quality of the book continues from there. The book is comprehensive and surprisingly up to date, with coverage of current topics and citations of reports that have appeared in journals very recently. Are there minor points to criticize? Of course there are. It is nearly impossible to prepare a tightly organized, multiauthored textbook that is written by independent experts in a field. In some ways, this is not a textbook but, rather, an organized collection of essays by clinical and basic investigators. Hence, there is overlap among the chapters, the figures are of variable quality, some of the figures are actually duplicated, the writing styles vary from excellent to something far less than excellent, and the book is too heavy to carry easily. In addition, there is nothing on animal models -- a serious deficiency. Nevertheless, this book will be invaluable to experts in the field and extremely useful to medical students and house officers who want a single resource in which to review the clinical aspects of hemoglobin disorders. This book will serve as a binder for the literature on the molecule that put medicine into an entirely new place. David G. Nathan, M.D.
Copyright © 2001 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.


Review
"A must for the institution or genetic counselor who works with these conditions on a regular basis. It is also a good reference tool for students and counselors who want to expand their knowledge about all aspects of the hemoglobinopathies." Journal of Genetic Counseling

"The editors themselves are important contributors to the book, and they have marshaled a group of chapter authors who are, for the most part, masters in the field. The first chapter, by Ranney, sets the stage by providing a comprehensive historical perspective. The high quality of the book continues from there. The book is comprehensive and surprisingly up to date, with coverage of current topics and citations of reports that have appeared in journals very recently...This book will serve as a binder for the literature on the molecule that put medicine into an entirely new place." New England Journal of Medicine

"Disorders of Hemoglobin provides a comprehensive review of both the scientific and the clinical aspects of human erythropoiesis and its disorders. It offers a collection of well written chapters by leading international investigators, many of whom are able to refer to the contribution their own research work has made to the field." Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine

"The first chapter,...sets the stage by providing a comprehensive historical perspective. The high quality of the book continues from there...this book will be invaluable to exprerts in the field and extremely useful to medical students and house officers who want a single resource in which to review the clinical aspects of hemaglobin disorders." David G. Nathan, M.D., New England Journal of Medecine


Book Description
Disorders of Hemoglobin is the first comprehensive reference on the genetic and acquired disorders of hemoglobin in over a decade. It stands as the definitive work on the genetics, pathophysiology, and clinical management of this wide range of disorders. Drs. Steinberg, Forget, Higgs, and Nagel have gathered the absolute world authorities on the science and clinical management of thalassemias, sickle cell disease, and other inherited and acquired hemoglobinopathies to create this authoritative textbook for researchers and clinicians alike. This text is divided into eight distinct sections, and includes coverage of the molecular and genetic basis of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias, their epidemiology and genetic selection, and the diagnosis and special treatments of ^D*b and ^D*a thalassemias, sickle cell disease, Hb E, unstable hemoglobins, Hb M disorders, and acquired and secondary disorders of hemoglobin. Clinical features of all disorders are anchored to the scientific and pathophysiological events that precede them; providing clinicians with a clear scientific background of the disorders they treat, and scientists with an essential link between their research and its clinical manifestation. Disorders of Hemoglobin is the only single-source reference of its kind for hematologists, internists, pediatricians, clinical investigators, and geneticists worldwide.


Book Info
Univ. of Mississippi, Jackson. Reference covers the molecular, cellular, genetic, and clinical aspects of the subject with topical reviews of the science and practical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. For basic scientists, translational scientists, and clinicians. Halftone illustrations are included. DNLM: Hemoglobinopathies.

ANNOTATION

The book contains predominantly black-and-white illustrations, with some color illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Disorders of Hemoglobin is the first comprehensive reference on the genetic and acquired disorders of hemoglobin in over a decade. It stands as the definitive work on the genetics, pathophysiology, and clinical management of this wide range of disorders. Drs. Steinberg, Forget, Higgs, and Nagel have gathered the absolute world authorities on the science and clinical management of thalassemias, sickle cell disease, and other inherited and acquired hemoglobinopathies to create the authoritative textbook for researchers and clinicians alike. This text is divided into eight distinct sections, and includes coverage of the molecular and genetic basis of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias, their epidemiology and genetic selection, and the diagnosis and special treatments of ß and œ thalassemias, sickle cell disease, Hb E, unstable hemoglobins, Hb M disorders, and acquired and secondary disorders of hemoglobin. Clinical features of all disorders are anchored to the scientific and pathophysiological events that precede them; providing clinicians with a clear scientific background of the disorders they treat, and scientists with an essential link between their research and its clinical manifestation. Disorders of Hemoglobin is the only single-source reference of its kind for hematologists, internists, pediatricians, clinical investigators, and geneticists worldwide.

FROM THE CRITICS

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Deborah L. Brown, MD (Children's Memorial Hospital)Description: This comprehensive book covers the biology and genetics of hemoglobin and the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, and clinical management of hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other congenital and acquired hemoglobinopathies. Purpose: The authors￯﾿ﾽ expressed purpose is to present the state-of-the-art knowledge base of hemoglobin disorders in the historical context of scientific discoveries and to provide a link between research and clinical practice. This goal is accomplished not only by the exhaustive content, but the presenting style of scientifically-based pathophysiology and clinical management. Audience: The comprehensive nature of this book makes it invaluable for scientists and clinicians working in hemoglobin disorders, especially hematologists and geneticists. It is also a useful reference for healthcare workers and researchers involved in the identification and care of patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemias. Features: Every aspect of hemoglobin and hemoglobin disorders are covered, including topics that are rarely found in a textbook, such as the design and testing of experimental therapies. The content is expansive without unnecessary duplication. The text is readable and well balanced. The scientific content is remarkably up-to-date with complete references and the index is well cross-referenced. Assessment: This is the first comprehensive book on hemoglobin and hemoglobin disorders since Bunn and Forget's textbook on hemoglobin in 1986. The editors and contributing authors are the undisputed experts in the field. The editors bring historical context to a rapidly evolving field and the presentation of scientific information is clear and understandable to readers of varied backgrounds. The result is an authoritative reference that will be considered the standard textbook on hemoglobin disorders for the next decade.

RATING

4 Stars! from Doody

ACCREDITATION