Book Description
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic diseases in Caucasian populations. One in 2,500 babies are born with the disease, usually to parents who have no idea that they each carry one defective CF gene. CF affects the respiratory and digestive systems and, despite major improvements in treatment over the last 20 years, the disease is usually lethal before the third decade of life. Treatment is lifelong and time-consuming, necessitating eating enzyme capsules with every meal to help digest food, daily physiotherapy to keep the lungs clear of mucus, and frequent courses of antibiotics to control lung infections. Written for those suffering from CF and their families, this book explores all aspects of the disease from basic clinical information on what is going wrong in the organs affected by CF to the conventional treatments for CF lung and digestive disease. Since the second edition, which was published just after the CF gene was identified, major advances have occurred in our understanding of the genetic basis of CF. The third edition includes this new information and also has a new section on the potential for gene therapy being used in the future for the long-term treatment of this disease.


Book Info
University of Oxford, U.K. Third edition of a concise text for the patient with cystic fibrosis, families, and care givers. Previous edition 1993. Describes the disease, treatment, and coping strategies.

ANNOTATION

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic diseases in Caucasian populations. One in 2500 babies is born with the disease, usually to parents who have no idea that they each carry one defective CF gene. This book explores all aspects of CF in clear and readable language, giving basic clinical information on what goes wrong with the organs affected by CF, and covering conventional treatments for CF lung and digestive disease. Practical guidance is offered on how to cope with living with the disease, and clear explanations are provided about treatments available and what each offers the sufferer. Personal accounts from both children and parents will provide family and carers with the understanding needed to care effectively for those with the disease. Major advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of CF have occurred since the publication of the second edition of this book, and these are covered in detail in this edition. There is also a section on the potential for gene therapy being used in the future for the long-term treatment of the disease.

FROM THE CRITICS

Susanna A. McColley

This third edition offers a comprehensive and updated description of cystic fibrosis (CF), including genetics, daily care needs, and recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. "Its stated purpose is to provide current factual information about living with CF; new information is emphasized, and a chapter on genetics has been added. This is a worthy objective, especially in light of the rapid advances in CF research. "The book, targeted for a lay audience, is written at a sophisticated level, although a scientific background is not necessary to understand the principles involved. It also would make an excellent introductory text for paramedical personnel, medical students, and even physicians who are not familiar with CF care. "It is nicely illustrated, and several tables add to the readability. The utility of some illustrations is uncertain with respect to a lay population (for example, lung scans). It is a small paperback book with an appealing cover, adding to its accessibility. "This book is a very comprehensive account of cystic fibrosis and CF care. Although the reader need not have a scientific background, it is written at a sophisticated level and is therefore not appropriate for all CF caregivers. However, it is recommended reading for educated CF caregivers and patients and paramedical personnel, particularly those who may be new to a multidisciplinary CF team. It would also give an excellent introduction to medical students and physicians about this disease.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Susanna A. McColley, MD (Northwestern University Medical School)Description: This third edition offers a comprehensive and updated description of cystic fibrosis (CF), including genetics, daily care needs, and recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. Purpose: Its stated purpose is to provide current factual information about living with CF; new information is emphasized, and a chapter on genetics has been added. This is a worthy objective, especially in light of the rapid advances in CF research. Audience: The book, targeted for a lay audience, is written at a sophisticated level, although a scientific background is not necessary to understand the principles involved. It also would make an excellent introductory text for paramedical personnel, medical students, and even physicians who are not familiar with CF care. Features: It is nicely illustrated, and several tables add to the readability. The utility of some illustrations is uncertain with respect to a lay population (for example, lung scans). It is a small paperback book with an appealing cover, adding to its accessibility. Assessment: This book is a very comprehensive account of cystic fibrosis and CF care. Although the reader need not have a scientific background, it is written at a sophisticated level and is therefore not appropriate for all CF caregivers. However, it is recommended reading for educated CF caregivers and patients and paramedical personnel, particularly those who may be new to a multidisciplinary CF team. It would also give an excellent introduction to medical students and physicians about this disease.

RATING

3 Stars from Doody

ACCREDITATION