Abstract
Edited by Leonard G Feld and Frederick J Kaskel
New York: Humana Press, 2011
393 pp, Price £76.50
ISBN: 978-1-603-27224-7
I initially approached this book with limited enthusiasm. Four hundred pages on electrolytes seemed a tall order. However, as I got into the first chapter, surprisingly I enjoyed its style.
It is well laid out in four sections:
Disorders of water, sodium and potassium homeostasis Disorders of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus homeostasis Disorders of acid-base homeostasis Special situations of fluid and electrolyte disorders
Each section is split into separate chapters covering each electrolyte. The chapters are well written with clear explanations of physiology, pathophysiological processes and age effects, from birth through to adulthood. Age-related reference ranges, whilst presented in ‘American’ conventional units, are easy to understand as plenty of guidance is provided to convert into SI units without requiring conversion tables. Each chapter is well referenced.
Chapters can be read in isolation for individual electrolytes. Each is set out in a similar fashion covering physiological mechanisms and then causes of hypo- and hyper-aetiologies. An initial brief overview is followed by a couple of case scenarios. The answers to the scenarios are left to the end of each hypo- or hyper-section after descriptions of the abnormality, its clinical features, comprehensive lists of aetiologies (with text explanations) and appropriate pathophysiology. Where necessary, this information is split into age groups. A few short paragraphs on diagnostic evaluation and management are given before returning to discuss the clinical scenarios presented at the start.
Having previously spent hours reading different books and reviews on calcium disorders for lectures and a court case, the great depth of the chapter on calcium homeostasis became very evident. Oh the number of hours I could have saved myself if I had had this book!
The final section of the book utilizes the information in earlier sections and applies it to specific areas including liver disease, acute renal injuries, hereditary tubulopathies and the neonatal intensive care unit. Again the use of case scenarios encourages the reader to use the information presented to take an active part in the ensuing discussion of the aetiology of each case.
This book is well worth the read. It promises to be a good resource when faced with complex clinical queries on electrolyte disorders and is an excellent adjunct for teaching and training. I, for one, will be keeping a copy on my bookshelf.