Medical Book Review

Clinical Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Second Edition (Lung Biology in Health and Disease)
Edited by Stephen I. Rennard, Roberto Rodriguez-Rosin, Gerard Huchon, Nicolas Roche
2007 Informa Healthcare
ISBN: 0849375878
$299.95 USD Hardcover
Available at Amazon

Reviewer:
Dr. Girish Patel, MBBS, MD (Respiratory Medicine)
Advanced Trainee, Respiratory Medicine
Cambelltown Hospital
Campbelltown, New South Wales
Australia

Description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in Australia, fourth in the USA and fifth globally. It is a common problem encountered in both primary and secondary care and contributes to the essential workload for medical practitioners in general and teaching hospitals (about 10% of hospital admissions) and the community-at-large. COPD treatment frequently involves a number of multidisciplinary team members. This book is a practical and well-written volume for the primary care physicians, specialists and allied health teams who deal with this common respiratory problem. It is designed for easy use with straightforward sections, individually referenced.

Purpose
The purpose of the book is to provide easily accessible, reliable information outlining the etiology, natural history, diagnosis, and current evidence-based management of COPD. It also predicts what will be the next advances in understanding and treating COPD.

Audience
This book provides a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of COPD for pulmonologists, allergist/immunologists, research scientists, physiotherapists, clinical nurses and trainees in respiratory medicine.

Features
The book is subdivided into five sections: Understanding the Pathophysiology of COPD, Clinical Assessment, Pharmacological Management, Non-pharmacological Management, and finally, Conclusions.

The first part comprehensively reviews basic mechanisms of COPD including the relationship with tobacco smoking as well as other non-tobacco causes. The reader is treated to a journey from diagnosis through end-of-life care and the opportunity to examine a variety of different areas of interest. The book concludes with an overview section on current and future global strategies for this disease.

Assessment
A long list of contributors from around the world contributed to this text. Each chapter is well referenced, and numerous tables and illustrations assist the reader by emphasizing and summarizing important information. The presentation follows a logical progression. I recommend this book for all those who have an interest in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of this global disease.