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Recent developments in clinical research. vol. 13 of current problems in dermatology
908
Book reviews
sions and discuss key points. As befits such an experienced clinician, there are a multitude of pearls under each heading. Treatment regimens for each disorder are mentioned, and Dr. Epstein reveals several therapeutic gems overlooked with the advent of steroids. The chapter concludes with a table listing each disorder followed by a brief description, associated lesions, key diagnostic features, and useful tests. Finally, there follows a group of illustrations accompanied by a brief legend depicting most of the disorders covered in the chapter. Each region is described in ten to twenty pages organized from "scalp" to "feet," concluding with a chapter on "cutaneous manifestations of internal diseases." One criticism is the poor quality of the black and white pictures, a necessity perhaps if the book is to remain affordable. This is rectified in part by a color insert where many of these photographs are again presented. Of course, there is repetition as one would imagine with such a regional outline, a condition readily admitted by the author and rectified in part by the use of boldface print in the index to identify Iengthier discussions. Overall, this is an excellent book and should be welcomed by those physicians, particularly students and housestaff, who desire a bedside manual to answer the question, "What is that rash?"
Jay A. Levin, M.D., Augusta, GA Dermatopathology W. H. C. Burgdorf, M.D., Prof. Th. Nasemann, Prof. M. Janner, and Dr. B. Schutte, New York, 1984, Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 215 pages. $29.50. The title of this book seems incomplete. The author jokes in the introduction that he "wished to write a book entitled Dermatopathology for Dick and Jane, but finally concluded that a more dignified titIe, Dermatopathology, was more appropriate." He should have stuck with the longer title. As stated, this is a book for beginners and since the title Primer of Dermatopathology has recently been used by A. F. Hood et al (J AM ACAD DERMATOL11:691-692, 1984), perhaps the title Synopsis of Dermatopathology, Manual of Dermatopathology, or Introduction to Dermatopathology would better reflect the author's goal. The author states that the book is both new and
lournalof the American Academyof Dermatology old since he has liberally used photomicrographs, line drawings, and translated text material from " Histiopathologie der Hautkrankeiten published (in German) in 1982 by Nasemann, Theodor, and associates at the University of Hamburg. Thus, multiple authors are listed for this English text, but Dr. Burgdorf takes full responsibility for it. I like the organization and narrative presentation of material in this book and found the text to be informative and pleasurably readable. Much information is condensed into small space, achieving the goal of the book. The paper quality is minimally adequate, apparently to achieve the goal of keeping the price reasonably low ($29.50). The quality of reproduction of the pictures is poor, presumably also due to monetary limitations. These shortcomings are acceptable in a manual designed to "be used, worn out, and retired to the book shelf as the young physician's sophistication increases," as stated by the author in his introduction. This book will provide an adequate introduction to dermatopathology and therefore achieves the stated purpose of the author. I preferred the narrative style used in this text to the more telegraphic lists and charts used in Hood and associates' Primer of Dermatopathology, but I prefer Drs. Hood and associates' superior photographs and higher quality paper, reflected also in their book's cost of $38.50. I recommend Dermatopathology as an introduction to this fascinating field and share the author's hope that "it will be used and worn out by those who buy it."
James L. O'Quinn, M.D., Augusta, GA Recent developments in clinical research. Vol. 13 of Current problems in dermatology C. E. Orfanos, M.D., editor, Basel, 1985, S. Karger AG. 192 pages, $98.25. When I received this monograph to review I thought, "Why another book of subject reviews?" I was, however, very pleasantly surprised by the focus and depth of each of the eight chapters in this monograph, which is the thirteenth in a series entitled Current Problems in Dermatology. The purpose of this volume was for recognized experts and scientists to address certain recent developments that have "definite impact on clinical
Volume 12 Number 5, Part l May, 1985
Book reviews 909
practice." The chapters deal with the following subjects: arachidonic acid and leukotrienes, the porphyrias, two chapters on retinoids (one on oral therapy with three generations of drugs, the other on their use in oncology), primary immunodeficiencies, AIDS and Kaposi's sarcoma, and scabies and epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Each of the chapters is very current in that most references are from the 1980s and in some chapters many are from 1983 and even 1984. The thrust of most of the chapters will facilitate one' s understanding of where a basic research area is going or what we must think about in terms of clinical interventions in the coming years. Kragballe and Voorhees, for example, briefly review the biochemistry of leukotrienes and then discuss the biologic effects in which we as dermatologists may be interested. They also very ably discuss the potential role of these chemicals in various skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, urticaria, and atopie dermatitis. The chapter on the porphyrias (by Moscaro et al) is also excellent in that it summarizes and correlates recent biochemical and clinical information and includes a critical discussion of treatment regimen. Inclusion of a figure showing the porphyrin metabolic pathway would have been helpful. The other chapters are, almost by definition, very current and are very well written. The editor has done an excellent job in setting the tone of the book and in enlisting an international group to contribute. It should be included in departmental libraries as each of the subjects is of very current interest and is covered in an au"thoritative manner. Its cost and its relatively limited scope (eight subjects) preclude my recommending it to all dermatologists.
the present understanding of the mechanisms leading to pruritus in both purely dermatologic conditions and systemic diseases. Consisting of ninety-six pages and sixty-four high-quality color illustrations, this work devotes the first twenty-six pages to the pharmacology and neurologic pathways involved in pruritus. Though the authors cannot obviously present a unifying hypothesis for pruritus, the subject is treated in a succinct and knowledgeable fashion. Ultimately, a valid approach to the understanding of this entity is given. Since the book is written for the busy practitioner, the authors present various dermatologic and systemic conditions by emphasizing the degree and character of the pruritus as a distinguishing feature, rather than relying on more classic grouping of the various entities. This very practical approach works splendidly in this case as the authors are able to go from one totally different condition to the next and still maintain a logical and clear theme. The nicely organized text, illustrations, and tables make this pleasurable and easy reading. Useful therapeutic suggestions are eloquently blended within the clinical and pathophysiologic description of each condition. The book ends with a useful appi:oach to pharmacologic therapy complete with the molecular structures of various compounds. The references, though not extensive, are well chosen and very helpful. In summary, though this book will not be useful to non-Italian-speaking dermatologists, it will probably prove to be a valuable dermatologic manuaI for our Italian-speaking colleagues.
Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., Bethesda, MD
M. K. Poland, M.D., Edinburgh, 1984, Churchill Livingstone. 197 pages. $25.
II Prurito nelle Pratiche Mediche: Fisiopatologia, Clinica e Terapie Dr. Stefano Gatti and Ferdinando Serri, M.D., Milan, Italy, 1984, C E . D . R I . M . S . r . l . , Gruppo Mondadori.* 96 pages. Free of charge from Roche Italiano. t This book, written in Italian, takes on the ambitious goal of explaining the pathophysiology and *Address: Via Marco d'Aviano 2/5, 20131 Milan, Italy~ "i'Dr. Alessandro Ovi, Vice-Direttore Della Prodotti, Roche S.p.A., 20131 Milano-Piazza Durante 11.
Vincent Falanga, M.D., Pittsburgh, PA
Topical skin therapeutics
Dr. Poland's book is one that I truly wish I had received years ago. As a now middle-aged dermatologist, much of the lore and logic of compounding were never part of my training. When I attempted to put together a little textbook of dermatology, I found a logical approach to topical compounding the most different section to write. Dr. Poland has accomplished this task magnificently. Although Dr. Poland is Dutch, this book is certainly not restricted to continental users. He has
Book reviews
sions and discuss key points. As befits such an experienced clinician, there are a multitude of pearls under each heading. Treatment regimens for each disorder are mentioned, and Dr. Epstein reveals several therapeutic gems overlooked with the advent of steroids. The chapter concludes with a table listing each disorder followed by a brief description, associated lesions, key diagnostic features, and useful tests. Finally, there follows a group of illustrations accompanied by a brief legend depicting most of the disorders covered in the chapter. Each region is described in ten to twenty pages organized from "scalp" to "feet," concluding with a chapter on "cutaneous manifestations of internal diseases." One criticism is the poor quality of the black and white pictures, a necessity perhaps if the book is to remain affordable. This is rectified in part by a color insert where many of these photographs are again presented. Of course, there is repetition as one would imagine with such a regional outline, a condition readily admitted by the author and rectified in part by the use of boldface print in the index to identify Iengthier discussions. Overall, this is an excellent book and should be welcomed by those physicians, particularly students and housestaff, who desire a bedside manual to answer the question, "What is that rash?"
Jay A. Levin, M.D., Augusta, GA Dermatopathology W. H. C. Burgdorf, M.D., Prof. Th. Nasemann, Prof. M. Janner, and Dr. B. Schutte, New York, 1984, Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 215 pages. $29.50. The title of this book seems incomplete. The author jokes in the introduction that he "wished to write a book entitled Dermatopathology for Dick and Jane, but finally concluded that a more dignified titIe, Dermatopathology, was more appropriate." He should have stuck with the longer title. As stated, this is a book for beginners and since the title Primer of Dermatopathology has recently been used by A. F. Hood et al (J AM ACAD DERMATOL11:691-692, 1984), perhaps the title Synopsis of Dermatopathology, Manual of Dermatopathology, or Introduction to Dermatopathology would better reflect the author's goal. The author states that the book is both new and
lournalof the American Academyof Dermatology old since he has liberally used photomicrographs, line drawings, and translated text material from " Histiopathologie der Hautkrankeiten published (in German) in 1982 by Nasemann, Theodor, and associates at the University of Hamburg. Thus, multiple authors are listed for this English text, but Dr. Burgdorf takes full responsibility for it. I like the organization and narrative presentation of material in this book and found the text to be informative and pleasurably readable. Much information is condensed into small space, achieving the goal of the book. The paper quality is minimally adequate, apparently to achieve the goal of keeping the price reasonably low ($29.50). The quality of reproduction of the pictures is poor, presumably also due to monetary limitations. These shortcomings are acceptable in a manual designed to "be used, worn out, and retired to the book shelf as the young physician's sophistication increases," as stated by the author in his introduction. This book will provide an adequate introduction to dermatopathology and therefore achieves the stated purpose of the author. I preferred the narrative style used in this text to the more telegraphic lists and charts used in Hood and associates' Primer of Dermatopathology, but I prefer Drs. Hood and associates' superior photographs and higher quality paper, reflected also in their book's cost of $38.50. I recommend Dermatopathology as an introduction to this fascinating field and share the author's hope that "it will be used and worn out by those who buy it."
James L. O'Quinn, M.D., Augusta, GA Recent developments in clinical research. Vol. 13 of Current problems in dermatology C. E. Orfanos, M.D., editor, Basel, 1985, S. Karger AG. 192 pages, $98.25. When I received this monograph to review I thought, "Why another book of subject reviews?" I was, however, very pleasantly surprised by the focus and depth of each of the eight chapters in this monograph, which is the thirteenth in a series entitled Current Problems in Dermatology. The purpose of this volume was for recognized experts and scientists to address certain recent developments that have "definite impact on clinical
Volume 12 Number 5, Part l May, 1985
Book reviews 909
practice." The chapters deal with the following subjects: arachidonic acid and leukotrienes, the porphyrias, two chapters on retinoids (one on oral therapy with three generations of drugs, the other on their use in oncology), primary immunodeficiencies, AIDS and Kaposi's sarcoma, and scabies and epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Each of the chapters is very current in that most references are from the 1980s and in some chapters many are from 1983 and even 1984. The thrust of most of the chapters will facilitate one' s understanding of where a basic research area is going or what we must think about in terms of clinical interventions in the coming years. Kragballe and Voorhees, for example, briefly review the biochemistry of leukotrienes and then discuss the biologic effects in which we as dermatologists may be interested. They also very ably discuss the potential role of these chemicals in various skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, urticaria, and atopie dermatitis. The chapter on the porphyrias (by Moscaro et al) is also excellent in that it summarizes and correlates recent biochemical and clinical information and includes a critical discussion of treatment regimen. Inclusion of a figure showing the porphyrin metabolic pathway would have been helpful. The other chapters are, almost by definition, very current and are very well written. The editor has done an excellent job in setting the tone of the book and in enlisting an international group to contribute. It should be included in departmental libraries as each of the subjects is of very current interest and is covered in an au"thoritative manner. Its cost and its relatively limited scope (eight subjects) preclude my recommending it to all dermatologists.
the present understanding of the mechanisms leading to pruritus in both purely dermatologic conditions and systemic diseases. Consisting of ninety-six pages and sixty-four high-quality color illustrations, this work devotes the first twenty-six pages to the pharmacology and neurologic pathways involved in pruritus. Though the authors cannot obviously present a unifying hypothesis for pruritus, the subject is treated in a succinct and knowledgeable fashion. Ultimately, a valid approach to the understanding of this entity is given. Since the book is written for the busy practitioner, the authors present various dermatologic and systemic conditions by emphasizing the degree and character of the pruritus as a distinguishing feature, rather than relying on more classic grouping of the various entities. This very practical approach works splendidly in this case as the authors are able to go from one totally different condition to the next and still maintain a logical and clear theme. The nicely organized text, illustrations, and tables make this pleasurable and easy reading. Useful therapeutic suggestions are eloquently blended within the clinical and pathophysiologic description of each condition. The book ends with a useful appi:oach to pharmacologic therapy complete with the molecular structures of various compounds. The references, though not extensive, are well chosen and very helpful. In summary, though this book will not be useful to non-Italian-speaking dermatologists, it will probably prove to be a valuable dermatologic manuaI for our Italian-speaking colleagues.
Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., Bethesda, MD
M. K. Poland, M.D., Edinburgh, 1984, Churchill Livingstone. 197 pages. $25.
II Prurito nelle Pratiche Mediche: Fisiopatologia, Clinica e Terapie Dr. Stefano Gatti and Ferdinando Serri, M.D., Milan, Italy, 1984, C E . D . R I . M . S . r . l . , Gruppo Mondadori.* 96 pages. Free of charge from Roche Italiano. t This book, written in Italian, takes on the ambitious goal of explaining the pathophysiology and *Address: Via Marco d'Aviano 2/5, 20131 Milan, Italy~ "i'Dr. Alessandro Ovi, Vice-Direttore Della Prodotti, Roche S.p.A., 20131 Milano-Piazza Durante 11.
Vincent Falanga, M.D., Pittsburgh, PA
Topical skin therapeutics
Dr. Poland's book is one that I truly wish I had received years ago. As a now middle-aged dermatologist, much of the lore and logic of compounding were never part of my training. When I attempted to put together a little textbook of dermatology, I found a logical approach to topical compounding the most different section to write. Dr. Poland has accomplished this task magnificently. Although Dr. Poland is Dutch, this book is certainly not restricted to continental users. He has