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Immunologic Disorders in Infants and Children
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     The rapid growth in our knowledge of basic and clinical immunology is reflected in the fifth edition of Immunologic Disorders in Infants and Children. The 98 authors, including the three editors, who have contributed to this updated textbook use excellent figures to illustrate immunologic processes and many tables to summarize data in an organized manner.

    The development and function of the immune system is covered in part I, which starts with the ontogeny of the immune system and covers its major components. There are new chapters on the natural (innate) immune system and the immunology of pregnancy. The B-lymphocyte system is covered in two chapters — one on basic immunology, the other on clinical immunology. The latter includes a discussion of the therapeutic use of immunoglobulin G and the evaluation of B cells and their products, the immunoglobulins.

    Deletion in Chromosome 22 in the DiGeorge Syndrome.

    Wessex Regional Genetics Centre/Wellcome Photo Library.

    Immunodeficiency diseases are the main emphasis in this book. An expanded discussion of more than 100 primary immunodeficiency diseases is covered in part II. The chapter on general considerations with respect to immunodeficiency disorders is an excellent overview of the cause, genetics, evaluation, and management of immunodeficiency diseases. The following chapters discuss each disorder individually, including its definition, historical aspects, pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This part of the book is an excellent reference on individual immunodeficiency diseases. A new chapter on the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome resulting from defects in apoptosis is also included.

    Secondary immunodeficiency diseases are discussed in a separate section (part III) and include updated chapters on the immunodeficiency of immaturity, immune mechanisms in infectious disease, and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Other chapters discuss immunodeficiency resulting from malnutrition, metabolic disorders, therapeutic and environmental immunosuppression, and stress from a variety of causes. This part of the book also contains discussions of the consequences of asplenia and immunodeficiency associated with genetic syndromes and proliferative and histiocytic disorders. The chapter on the physiologic immunodeficiency of immaturity will be of interest to all pediatricians and demonstrates the advances in our understanding of immunity and the need to learn more about the ontogeny of immune function in neonates and infants.

    Immune-system–mediated diseases, such as allergic diseases and autoimmunity, are covered in updated chapters in part IV, which includes a new chapter on periodic fever syndromes. Even though separate textbooks can be devoted to each of the topics, the pathogenesis, evaluation, and management of these disorders emphasize their immunologic basis. In addition, the chapters on infection in the immunocompromised host, active and passive immunization to prevent infectious diseases, and transplantation of solid organs and bone marrow have been updated to reflect the gains in knowledge and experience in these areas.

    This book covers most aspects of immune disorders affecting children, from basic immunology to a discussion of specific diseases and therapeutic options. It is essential reading for pediatric immunologists and trainees in immunology and an outstanding reference for pediatricians and trainees in pediatrics.

    Ramsay L. Fuleihan, M.D.

    Yale University School of Medicine

    New Haven, CT 06520

    ramsay.fuleihan@yale.edu(E. Richard Stiehm, Hans D)