- Email: [email protected]
Management of Blood Transfusion Services
B O O K REVIEWS
An interesting reference is made in the chapter on endothelial monolayers by Treponema pallidum to a comment by Sir William Osler which is quoted as 1932. In fact, this was from a posthumous publication of addresses by this famous clinician. In summary, this book gives an insight into the explosion of research into the determination and regulation of bacterial virulence. An understanding of these properties is essential for the pathologist. Equally the microbial geneticist needs to be informed of the host response (ie, the pathologist’s territory).
G. Rich
Management of Blood Transfusion Services. Edited by S . R. HOLL-AN.
W. WAGSTAFF, J . LEIKOLA A N D F. LOTHE. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1990. ISBN 92-4-154406-6, pp. xii 229, Sw.Fr.41.
+
The idea of publishing this book arose following a postgraduate course on the management of Blood Transfusion Services held in Hungary in 1983. The course was organized by W H O an d the Government of Hungary with participation from the League of Red Cross Societies and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The book can be considered in 4 parts, each being a contribution from 1 of the 4 editors. Th e first, by Dr Leikola, sets the basic pattern for a national blood programme as an integral part of any national health policy and promotes self sufficiency in blood and blood products as an achievable goal using voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Estimates are given of the quantities of blood and blood products required to meet the needs of a given population. Dr Susan Hollan, the second editor, and her staff at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Budapest have contributed most to the book and cover the following topics: donor recruitment, premises, equipment, testing, quality assurance, computerization, staff training and continuing education. An estimate of space requirements and suitable design plans are included and will serve as useful guides to any Service planning new premises. Dr W . Wagstaff has contributed chapters on personnel managcment and transport while the fourth editor, Dr F. Lothe, covers the role of International Organisations in providing guidelines for the management of Blood Transfusion Services. Dr A. Andre provides a chapter on ethical and legal responsibilities to donors and recipients, Dr C. Duncan, a chapter on financial planning and Dr Brodheim and R. Beal on inventory control, storage and disposal. This book is highly specialized and wil1 be of interest largely to senior staff of Blood Transfusion Services and persons involved in the planning or investigation of Transfusion Services. I t will be of particular interest to such persons in the developing countries. G. Archer
ND J O ~ F P H Human Prenatal Diagnosis. 2nd edition. K A R E N F I L K I NA S F. Russo. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York and Basel, 1990. ISBN
0-8247-8314-X, pp. xvii + 601, US$180.00.
This book is a multi-authored reference to prenatal diagnosis (PND). Two authors (M. Bennett and D. Wass) are from Australia. The task to provide an up-to-date text in the rapidly expanding area of PND is difficult but in general is dealt with very well. The text is easy to read and information (as far as I could ascertain) is current to the end o l 1989. References are extensive and up to date. The target audience would in the first instance be obstetricians, geneticists and health workers. The 15 chapters give a broad coverage of procedureshboratory strategies involved in PND. Formats are usually historical introductions followed by practical considerations and then extensive references to situations for which PND was indicated. The chapters on chorion villus sampling (CVS), fetal blood sampling and ultrasonography are particularly informative. One chapter describer the implications of PND in multiple pregnancies. Although an uncommon situation, the ethical and
367
legal issues associated with diagnosis and selective feticide make this an important topic. References provided in the latter chapter w,ould be very helpful. One useful chapter lists the practical aspects of ainnio~enteiis.Tlic area of fetal therapy (medical, surgical and gene manipulation) is adequately covered in 2 chapters although comments made in respect of gene therapy are fairly broad. A potentially contentious issuc, that of maternal serum u-fetoprotein screening (MSAFP), was avoidcd by providing facts on variables which affect MSAFP levels and the potential relationship of MSAFP to Down’s syndrome screening. I personally found the longest chapter (DNA testing and applied molecular genetics) to be interesting but for the general reader i t may be too long with a lot of unnecessary detail. A chapter on legal implications defines the prerequisites which are essential for the phyrician and health worker who may be involved in PND. Although quoling US-based case studies this chapter provides many robering illustrations of how PND can become a complex issue involving physician/patient/ health workerlother parties. Both the chapter on fetal therapy and the last chapter give insighcs into future directions for PN D in terms of diagnosis (preiniplantation embryo, fetal blood in maternal circulation) and therapy (particularly surgical intervention). The book could be improved with cross referencing, ie, the chapter on CVS provided very useful data as to efficacy and safety yet a number of other chapters suggested that risks for CVS remained to be defined. K . J . A . Trenl
Gastroinfeslinul Pathology. Edited by G . T . W I II I A M S Springer-
Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, I,ondon, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, 1990. ISBN 0-387-51016-8, pp. xii + 358, DM68.00.
As claimed by the editor, this volume encapsulates primarily the current information on inflammatory and neoplastic bowel disease which could otherwise only be obtained by recourse to the original literature. I t is aimed at the practising gastrointestinal pathologist. Like most other specialized fields within tissue pathology, the digestive tract has itimulated, in recent times, a formidable array of texts both narrowly and broadly based. This work must thus be measured by how much o f the information i t contains are real advances of relevance not to be found elsewhere. The novel aspect of the first chapter is an enthusiastic attempt to incoiporate into the various forms of gastritis and duodenitij, a paihogcnetic role for Campylobacter (now known as Helicobacter) pylori. This i i perhaps a little premature when the author’s own view appears to be embodied in the quotc: “if it is not true i t is a happy invention”. What is particularly noticeable with respect to this very pcrsuaiive renditiori is the virtual absence of a substantial literature which casts at leart some doubt on a t r u l y pathogenic role for this organiun. The next 4 chapters on Barrett’s esophagui, duodenal adenomas, gastric dysplasia and intraepithelial neoplasia of the anal canal are adequate. The husband and wife ream, the Drs Mathan, have v,rittcn an excellent chapter on biopsy interpretation i n [he tropics and the chapter on the gut lymphoid tissue and its tumors is particularly good. It contains an intriguing statement however, viz “dense gastric lymphoid infiltrates which fail to respond to medical treatment o r chronic gastritis”. Most readers with an intcreit in chronic gastritic would be eager to learn the nature of this therapy. Other chapters of excellent quality concern ischemic colitis arid its differential diagnoses, quantitation in diagno\tic gastrointcjtinal pathology, an update on polyposis syndromes - it wai a relief to see cap polyposis referred to - and an outline of’ a Swiss experiencc i n the diagno\is of Hirschsprung’s disease and related abnormalitie$ o f intestinal innervation. The remaining chapters on collagenous colitis, inte5tinal spirochetosis, malignant colonic polyps and prognostic factors in colorcctal cancer are clear and full accounts. They contain certain personal views
An interesting reference is made in the chapter on endothelial monolayers by Treponema pallidum to a comment by Sir William Osler which is quoted as 1932. In fact, this was from a posthumous publication of addresses by this famous clinician. In summary, this book gives an insight into the explosion of research into the determination and regulation of bacterial virulence. An understanding of these properties is essential for the pathologist. Equally the microbial geneticist needs to be informed of the host response (ie, the pathologist’s territory).
G. Rich
Management of Blood Transfusion Services. Edited by S . R. HOLL-AN.
W. WAGSTAFF, J . LEIKOLA A N D F. LOTHE. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1990. ISBN 92-4-154406-6, pp. xii 229, Sw.Fr.41.
+
The idea of publishing this book arose following a postgraduate course on the management of Blood Transfusion Services held in Hungary in 1983. The course was organized by W H O an d the Government of Hungary with participation from the League of Red Cross Societies and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The book can be considered in 4 parts, each being a contribution from 1 of the 4 editors. Th e first, by Dr Leikola, sets the basic pattern for a national blood programme as an integral part of any national health policy and promotes self sufficiency in blood and blood products as an achievable goal using voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Estimates are given of the quantities of blood and blood products required to meet the needs of a given population. Dr Susan Hollan, the second editor, and her staff at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Budapest have contributed most to the book and cover the following topics: donor recruitment, premises, equipment, testing, quality assurance, computerization, staff training and continuing education. An estimate of space requirements and suitable design plans are included and will serve as useful guides to any Service planning new premises. Dr W . Wagstaff has contributed chapters on personnel managcment and transport while the fourth editor, Dr F. Lothe, covers the role of International Organisations in providing guidelines for the management of Blood Transfusion Services. Dr A. Andre provides a chapter on ethical and legal responsibilities to donors and recipients, Dr C. Duncan, a chapter on financial planning and Dr Brodheim and R. Beal on inventory control, storage and disposal. This book is highly specialized and wil1 be of interest largely to senior staff of Blood Transfusion Services and persons involved in the planning or investigation of Transfusion Services. I t will be of particular interest to such persons in the developing countries. G. Archer
ND J O ~ F P H Human Prenatal Diagnosis. 2nd edition. K A R E N F I L K I NA S F. Russo. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York and Basel, 1990. ISBN
0-8247-8314-X, pp. xvii + 601, US$180.00.
This book is a multi-authored reference to prenatal diagnosis (PND). Two authors (M. Bennett and D. Wass) are from Australia. The task to provide an up-to-date text in the rapidly expanding area of PND is difficult but in general is dealt with very well. The text is easy to read and information (as far as I could ascertain) is current to the end o l 1989. References are extensive and up to date. The target audience would in the first instance be obstetricians, geneticists and health workers. The 15 chapters give a broad coverage of procedureshboratory strategies involved in PND. Formats are usually historical introductions followed by practical considerations and then extensive references to situations for which PND was indicated. The chapters on chorion villus sampling (CVS), fetal blood sampling and ultrasonography are particularly informative. One chapter describer the implications of PND in multiple pregnancies. Although an uncommon situation, the ethical and
367
legal issues associated with diagnosis and selective feticide make this an important topic. References provided in the latter chapter w,ould be very helpful. One useful chapter lists the practical aspects of ainnio~enteiis.Tlic area of fetal therapy (medical, surgical and gene manipulation) is adequately covered in 2 chapters although comments made in respect of gene therapy are fairly broad. A potentially contentious issuc, that of maternal serum u-fetoprotein screening (MSAFP), was avoidcd by providing facts on variables which affect MSAFP levels and the potential relationship of MSAFP to Down’s syndrome screening. I personally found the longest chapter (DNA testing and applied molecular genetics) to be interesting but for the general reader i t may be too long with a lot of unnecessary detail. A chapter on legal implications defines the prerequisites which are essential for the phyrician and health worker who may be involved in PND. Although quoling US-based case studies this chapter provides many robering illustrations of how PND can become a complex issue involving physician/patient/ health workerlother parties. Both the chapter on fetal therapy and the last chapter give insighcs into future directions for PN D in terms of diagnosis (preiniplantation embryo, fetal blood in maternal circulation) and therapy (particularly surgical intervention). The book could be improved with cross referencing, ie, the chapter on CVS provided very useful data as to efficacy and safety yet a number of other chapters suggested that risks for CVS remained to be defined. K . J . A . Trenl
Gastroinfeslinul Pathology. Edited by G . T . W I II I A M S Springer-
Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, I,ondon, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, 1990. ISBN 0-387-51016-8, pp. xii + 358, DM68.00.
As claimed by the editor, this volume encapsulates primarily the current information on inflammatory and neoplastic bowel disease which could otherwise only be obtained by recourse to the original literature. I t is aimed at the practising gastrointestinal pathologist. Like most other specialized fields within tissue pathology, the digestive tract has itimulated, in recent times, a formidable array of texts both narrowly and broadly based. This work must thus be measured by how much o f the information i t contains are real advances of relevance not to be found elsewhere. The novel aspect of the first chapter is an enthusiastic attempt to incoiporate into the various forms of gastritis and duodenitij, a paihogcnetic role for Campylobacter (now known as Helicobacter) pylori. This i i perhaps a little premature when the author’s own view appears to be embodied in the quotc: “if it is not true i t is a happy invention”. What is particularly noticeable with respect to this very pcrsuaiive renditiori is the virtual absence of a substantial literature which casts at leart some doubt on a t r u l y pathogenic role for this organiun. The next 4 chapters on Barrett’s esophagui, duodenal adenomas, gastric dysplasia and intraepithelial neoplasia of the anal canal are adequate. The husband and wife ream, the Drs Mathan, have v,rittcn an excellent chapter on biopsy interpretation i n [he tropics and the chapter on the gut lymphoid tissue and its tumors is particularly good. It contains an intriguing statement however, viz “dense gastric lymphoid infiltrates which fail to respond to medical treatment o r chronic gastritis”. Most readers with an intcreit in chronic gastritic would be eager to learn the nature of this therapy. Other chapters of excellent quality concern ischemic colitis arid its differential diagnoses, quantitation in diagno\tic gastrointcjtinal pathology, an update on polyposis syndromes - it wai a relief to see cap polyposis referred to - and an outline of’ a Swiss experiencc i n the diagno\is of Hirschsprung’s disease and related abnormalitie$ o f intestinal innervation. The remaining chapters on collagenous colitis, inte5tinal spirochetosis, malignant colonic polyps and prognostic factors in colorcctal cancer are clear and full accounts. They contain certain personal views