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The theory and practice of anticoagulant treatment
Book
reviews
ELECTROVECTOR CARDIOGRAFIA Cossio and Victorio Pecorini, Medicina de Buenos Aires, Aires, 1962, Fundacion Cossio,
CLINICA. By Pedro M.D., Facultad de Argentina. Buenos 402 pages.
This is a good book on clinical electrovectorcardiography. The presentation is sound, simple, and clear, and the illustrations are very good. As the title indicates, the discussions are concerned primarily with the vectoral approach to the analysis and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. The authors have successfully achieved their purpose of presenting rather difficult ideas to beginners in the field. This book should prove to be of value to students, general practitioners, and cardiologists.
BLOOD VOLUMIL By Solomon N. Albert, B.A., M.D., Diplomate, The American Board of Anesthesiology; Senior Attending Anesthesiologist, and Director of Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Springtield, Ill., 1962, Charles C Thomas, Publisher, 175 pages. Price $8.50. This monograph on blood volume suffers from a number of deficiencies. Too much space seems to have been devoted to an attempt at a simplified discussion of hemodynamics, using diagrams which serve to confuse rather than clarify. On the other hand, the central problem in the clinical use of blood volume measurements, the rstablishment of meaningful normal values for a population with wide variations in body habitus, is dealt with in only a very cursory manner. There is also the annoying habit of using references to review articles rather than the primary sources when citing evidence. The second half of the monograph, which is devoted to technology, furnishes a good account of some of the methods employed in determining blood volume.
PROBLEME DER ZENTRALNERV~SEN REGULATION. Bad Oeynhausener Gesprache V. Edited by I,. Delius, H. P. Koepchen, and E. Witzleb. Berlin, 1962, Springer Verlag, 102 pages, 52 illustrations. Price: DM 38. That this volume is published as Gespriiche implies that the authors consider it as an informal presentation, but this does not detract from its value. It contains much interesting thought and information about biologic and physiologic rhythms and regulations. Of the nine articles. five are concerned with circulatory functions, with a consideration of the history of exploration of cardiovascular regulations and rhythms, which goes far back to the nineteenth century. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical interpretation of circulatory autoregulation, but evenzmore im-
145
portant is the attempt to analyze rhythms and regulation of circulatory functions in the wider perspective of various biologic rhythms, from short-term to long-term periods (fractions of seconds to yearly rhythms). From this point of view, Goldenhofen analyzes peripheral circulation; G. Hildebrandt discusses regulations of pulse rate! blood pressure, respiration and regional circulations; H. P. Koepchen reports on fluctuations in blood pressure in correlation with respiration and the effect of autonomic reflexes; and K. Meckelke investigates the regulation of blood pressure in disturbances of the autonomic nervous regulations. It is intriguing that the phase relationship between various circulatory functions and between blood pressure and respiratory cycles may be useful for the separation of healthy people from patients with circulatory disturbances. The book is a stimulus for further research. Although the volume contains much interesting, recent, condensed experimental information, its main value lies in the attempt to explore general biologic principles involved in the various biologic regulations. Therefore, this volume is rewarding for all who are involved in clinical: physiologic, and, particularly, cardiovascular research, since, as mentioned, the larger part of the book is devoted to cardiovascular functions.
THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ANTICOAGULANT TREATMENT. By L. Poller, M.D., Consultant Pathologist, South Manchester Group, and Hematologist, Withington Hospital, Manchester, England. Bristol, 1962, John Wright & Sons, Ltd.; Baltimore, 1962, Williams & Wilkins Company, 150 pages. Price $6.50. This small volume presents an excellent summary of the theory and practice of anticoagulant therapy. After a brief introduction which is concerned with the clinical incidence of thrombotic disease and the normal blood clotting mechanism, the prevailing theories of the pathogenesis of thrombosis are summarized. The next two chapters deal with the practical aspects of the use of heparin and the Coumadin-indandione drugs. The important aspects of proper laboratory control are succinctly described. The evidence for and against anticoagulant therapy in various clinical situations is then presented in summary form. An outline of useful technical methods is included and followed by a very good index. The review of the literature has been well chosen and is presented in a critical manner which has obvious advantages over a simple summary. This style of writing is lucid and is easv to read and understand. The graphs, illustrations, and charts are well chosen. It is refreshing to read so critical a summary of the recent literature on such a complex and controversial problem. This is quite valuable and suggests both personal experience and
146
Am
Announcements
maturity on the part of the author, which notably enhances the value of the book. In view of the rapid progress which is being made in the field of blood coagulation and thromboembolism it is obvious that certain aspects of a work such as
Heart J. July, 1963
this may soon need revision. However, this does not detract from this excellent critical survey which will prove to be of value to all those interested in thromboembolic disease and anticoagulant therapy.
Announcements THE
LIFE
INSURANCE
MEDICAL
RESEARCH
FUND
is now receiving APPLICATIONS FOR AWARDS to be available July 1, 1964, as follows: Until November 1, 1963, for grants to institutions in aid of research on cardiovascular problems. Support is available for physiological, biochemical, and other basic work broadly related to cardiovascular problems, as well as for clinical research in this field. Further information and application forms may be obtained from the Scientific Director, Life Insurance Medical Research Fund, 1030 East Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, Pa.
THE AMERICAN
THIRTEENTH COLLEGE
ANNUAL CONVENTION OF CARDIOLOGY will
OF THE
be held Louisiana,
at the RooseveIt Hotel, New Orleans, on Feb. 12-16, 1964. Abstracts of papers intended for the scientific program should be sent before Oct. 1, 1963, to Dr. George E. Burch, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans 12, La. Abstracts should be approximately 250 words in length. The original and three copies are required. Special uniform copy sheets will be supplied on request. Scientific and commercial exhibitors should write to: Dr. Philip Reichert, Executive Director, American College of Cardiology, Empire State Bldg., New York 1. N.Y.
THE VII INTERAMERICAN OLOGY will be held in Montreal,
CONGRESS
OF
CARDI-
Canada, from June 14 to 19, 1964, under the joint auspices of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Interamerican Society of Cardiology (Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiologia). A broad scientific and social program is being planned and it is expected that there will be about one thousand cardiologists in attendance from the United States, Latin America, and Canada. The Chairman of the Organization Committee is Dr. Paul David. The Chairman of the Scientific Program Committee is Dr. Jacques Genest. Enquiries in regard to the Congress should be directed to: Dr. Jonathan Ballon, Secretary, VII Interamerican Congress of Cardiology, 2052 St. Catherine St., West, Suite 114, Montreal 25, Quebec, Canada.
THE YOUNG INVESTIGATORS’ AWARD of the American College of Cardiology-February, 1964. All interested workers are invited to write: E. Grey Dimond, M.D., Chairman, Young Investigators’ Award Committee, Box 1533, La Jolla, Calif.
reviews
ELECTROVECTOR CARDIOGRAFIA Cossio and Victorio Pecorini, Medicina de Buenos Aires, Aires, 1962, Fundacion Cossio,
CLINICA. By Pedro M.D., Facultad de Argentina. Buenos 402 pages.
This is a good book on clinical electrovectorcardiography. The presentation is sound, simple, and clear, and the illustrations are very good. As the title indicates, the discussions are concerned primarily with the vectoral approach to the analysis and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. The authors have successfully achieved their purpose of presenting rather difficult ideas to beginners in the field. This book should prove to be of value to students, general practitioners, and cardiologists.
BLOOD VOLUMIL By Solomon N. Albert, B.A., M.D., Diplomate, The American Board of Anesthesiology; Senior Attending Anesthesiologist, and Director of Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Springtield, Ill., 1962, Charles C Thomas, Publisher, 175 pages. Price $8.50. This monograph on blood volume suffers from a number of deficiencies. Too much space seems to have been devoted to an attempt at a simplified discussion of hemodynamics, using diagrams which serve to confuse rather than clarify. On the other hand, the central problem in the clinical use of blood volume measurements, the rstablishment of meaningful normal values for a population with wide variations in body habitus, is dealt with in only a very cursory manner. There is also the annoying habit of using references to review articles rather than the primary sources when citing evidence. The second half of the monograph, which is devoted to technology, furnishes a good account of some of the methods employed in determining blood volume.
PROBLEME DER ZENTRALNERV~SEN REGULATION. Bad Oeynhausener Gesprache V. Edited by I,. Delius, H. P. Koepchen, and E. Witzleb. Berlin, 1962, Springer Verlag, 102 pages, 52 illustrations. Price: DM 38. That this volume is published as Gespriiche implies that the authors consider it as an informal presentation, but this does not detract from its value. It contains much interesting thought and information about biologic and physiologic rhythms and regulations. Of the nine articles. five are concerned with circulatory functions, with a consideration of the history of exploration of cardiovascular regulations and rhythms, which goes far back to the nineteenth century. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical interpretation of circulatory autoregulation, but evenzmore im-
145
portant is the attempt to analyze rhythms and regulation of circulatory functions in the wider perspective of various biologic rhythms, from short-term to long-term periods (fractions of seconds to yearly rhythms). From this point of view, Goldenhofen analyzes peripheral circulation; G. Hildebrandt discusses regulations of pulse rate! blood pressure, respiration and regional circulations; H. P. Koepchen reports on fluctuations in blood pressure in correlation with respiration and the effect of autonomic reflexes; and K. Meckelke investigates the regulation of blood pressure in disturbances of the autonomic nervous regulations. It is intriguing that the phase relationship between various circulatory functions and between blood pressure and respiratory cycles may be useful for the separation of healthy people from patients with circulatory disturbances. The book is a stimulus for further research. Although the volume contains much interesting, recent, condensed experimental information, its main value lies in the attempt to explore general biologic principles involved in the various biologic regulations. Therefore, this volume is rewarding for all who are involved in clinical: physiologic, and, particularly, cardiovascular research, since, as mentioned, the larger part of the book is devoted to cardiovascular functions.
THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ANTICOAGULANT TREATMENT. By L. Poller, M.D., Consultant Pathologist, South Manchester Group, and Hematologist, Withington Hospital, Manchester, England. Bristol, 1962, John Wright & Sons, Ltd.; Baltimore, 1962, Williams & Wilkins Company, 150 pages. Price $6.50. This small volume presents an excellent summary of the theory and practice of anticoagulant therapy. After a brief introduction which is concerned with the clinical incidence of thrombotic disease and the normal blood clotting mechanism, the prevailing theories of the pathogenesis of thrombosis are summarized. The next two chapters deal with the practical aspects of the use of heparin and the Coumadin-indandione drugs. The important aspects of proper laboratory control are succinctly described. The evidence for and against anticoagulant therapy in various clinical situations is then presented in summary form. An outline of useful technical methods is included and followed by a very good index. The review of the literature has been well chosen and is presented in a critical manner which has obvious advantages over a simple summary. This style of writing is lucid and is easv to read and understand. The graphs, illustrations, and charts are well chosen. It is refreshing to read so critical a summary of the recent literature on such a complex and controversial problem. This is quite valuable and suggests both personal experience and
146
Am
Announcements
maturity on the part of the author, which notably enhances the value of the book. In view of the rapid progress which is being made in the field of blood coagulation and thromboembolism it is obvious that certain aspects of a work such as
Heart J. July, 1963
this may soon need revision. However, this does not detract from this excellent critical survey which will prove to be of value to all those interested in thromboembolic disease and anticoagulant therapy.
Announcements THE
LIFE
INSURANCE
MEDICAL
RESEARCH
FUND
is now receiving APPLICATIONS FOR AWARDS to be available July 1, 1964, as follows: Until November 1, 1963, for grants to institutions in aid of research on cardiovascular problems. Support is available for physiological, biochemical, and other basic work broadly related to cardiovascular problems, as well as for clinical research in this field. Further information and application forms may be obtained from the Scientific Director, Life Insurance Medical Research Fund, 1030 East Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, Pa.
THE AMERICAN
THIRTEENTH COLLEGE
ANNUAL CONVENTION OF CARDIOLOGY will
OF THE
be held Louisiana,
at the RooseveIt Hotel, New Orleans, on Feb. 12-16, 1964. Abstracts of papers intended for the scientific program should be sent before Oct. 1, 1963, to Dr. George E. Burch, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans 12, La. Abstracts should be approximately 250 words in length. The original and three copies are required. Special uniform copy sheets will be supplied on request. Scientific and commercial exhibitors should write to: Dr. Philip Reichert, Executive Director, American College of Cardiology, Empire State Bldg., New York 1. N.Y.
THE VII INTERAMERICAN OLOGY will be held in Montreal,
CONGRESS
OF
CARDI-
Canada, from June 14 to 19, 1964, under the joint auspices of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Interamerican Society of Cardiology (Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiologia). A broad scientific and social program is being planned and it is expected that there will be about one thousand cardiologists in attendance from the United States, Latin America, and Canada. The Chairman of the Organization Committee is Dr. Paul David. The Chairman of the Scientific Program Committee is Dr. Jacques Genest. Enquiries in regard to the Congress should be directed to: Dr. Jonathan Ballon, Secretary, VII Interamerican Congress of Cardiology, 2052 St. Catherine St., West, Suite 114, Montreal 25, Quebec, Canada.
THE YOUNG INVESTIGATORS’ AWARD of the American College of Cardiology-February, 1964. All interested workers are invited to write: E. Grey Dimond, M.D., Chairman, Young Investigators’ Award Committee, Box 1533, La Jolla, Calif.