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Book Reviews
Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, 6th edition, CD-ROM. Shaun Ruddy, MD, Edward D. Harris Jr, MD, Clement B. Sledge, MD, editors, Ralph C. Budd, MD, John S. Sergent, MD, associate editors. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders (Harcourt Health Sciences), 2001, price $299.00 US This is the CD-ROM version (Windows and MacIntosh) of the most recent (6th) edition of Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, which has been eloquently reviewed by Prof. Watson Buchanan (J Rheumatol 2001; 28: 17423). In addition to the entire contents of the 2 volume textbook, the CD-ROM version has 61 additional color figures and two 35-minute video loops, which include a lecture of differential diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a synthesis of the pathophysiology of RA (on a single CD). The question is whether to buy the textbook or CD-ROM version of this excellent publication. One issue is portability. Because of the size and weight of current textbooks, they can no longer be considered portable, even with the multiple volume versions. It is certainly much easier to put a single CD into your bag or pocket to take it home or to the office so long as you have access to a suitable computer. Is the CD-ROM version user friendly? I had no difficulty finding my way around and accessing specific information. With the computer version there are inevitable delays (response time). For example, it takes my computer (Compaq deskpro) just over a minute to download the text. You can browse and select your topic of interest either using the table of contents or more specific subject index. A major advantage over the textbook version is the presence of an advanced search engine that enables you to carry out more complex searches (for example, the association between scleroderma and malignancy). Facilities are available to add notes of your own at the end of each section. Unlike a textbook, with the CD-ROM version you cannot open a chapter on a particular topic and browse. Each chapter is divided into multiple sections that need to be opened individually through menus. The convenience is in looking up more specific information. At least you won't risk a hernia lifting the textbook off your shelf. The cost of the textbook and CD-ROM version are identical. PETER LEE, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5 Rheumatoid Arthritis—Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment Larry W. Moreland, editor, London: Re Medica Publishing, 2001, 122 pages, price $30.00. This monograph is intended to provide rheumatologists with "a concise and up-to-date overview of current concepts in the etiopathogenesis and treatment options for RA." There are 6 chapters with an introduction and sections dealing with the epidemiology, pathophysiology and etiology, current therapeutic options (non-biologic agents), cytokine therapies, and emerging therapies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The contributors are all experts in their field. The book is certainly concise, with each chapter averaging 20 to 30 small pages. Good use is made of tables to summarize information in a manner that can be readily assimilated. Each chapter has been extensively referenced. In a fast moving area, particularly with the recent advances in treatment of RA, such a concise but comprehensive "state of the art" review is just what the busy practicing rheumatologist (and rheumatology trainee) needs to keep abreast of the field. The editor has done an excellent job, as the publication is easy to read and the chapters are of uniform quality. One would hope that such a publication will be updated frequently to incorporate important new information and treatment issues that are rapidly accumulating. Examples are recent concerns regarding COX-2 inhibitors and risk of tuberculous reactivation with the TNF-a inhibitors. PETER LEE, MD. Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5 |