Book Review

Current Therapy in Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology

N Engl J Med 1993; 329:287July 22, 1993

Article

Current Therapy in Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology
Fourth edition. Edited by Lawrence M. Lichtenstein and Anthony M. Fauci. 391 pp. St. Louis, B.C. Decker/Mosby-Year Book, 1992. $75. ISBN: 1-55664-329-2

Lichtenstein and Fauci have assembled a talented and authoritative group of contributors to address practical matters concerning the practice of allergy and immunology and rheumatology. The editors have recruited a number of authors from outside the United States, who broaden the book's perspective and add to its international importance. All organ systems are covered in a very practical manner, with information made readily available in a “how to” fashion. Most chapters also provide just enough background on pathogenetic mechanisms to give the reader an understanding of the disease under discussion.

The ample use of tables, graphs, and algorithms is an excellent feature of the book, but its value could be substantially enhanced (cost permitting) by the addition of illustrations of clinical lesions, radiographs, and endoscopic findings. The reader will find the fourth edition of Current Therapy in Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology both informative and useful.

Elliott Middleton, M.D.
Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY 14203