Cystic Fibrosis, Third Edition

Book excerpt: This international and authoritative work, which brings together current knowledge in the field of cystic fibrosis, has become established in previous editions as a leading reference in the field. The third edition continues to provide everything that the clinician or allied health professional treating patients with cystic fibrosis will need in a single manageable volume. Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, it reflects the significant advances that have been made in the field since the second edition published in 2000. Cystic Fibrosis evaluates in detail the basic science that underlies the disease and its progression, putting it into a clinical context. Diagnostic and clinical aspects are covered in depth, as are monitoring the condition and the importance of multi-disciplinary care, reflected in the sections into which the new edition has been sub-divided to improve accessibility. Future developments, including novel therapies, are covered in a concluding section. The clinical areas have been much expanded, with the introduction of separate chapters covering sleep, lung mechanics and the work of breathing, upper airway disease, insulin deficiency and diabetes, bone disease, and sexual and reproductive issues. A new section on monitoring discusses the use of databases to improve patient care, and covers monitoring in different age groups, exercise testing and the outcomes of clinical trials in these areas. Separate chapters are devoted to paramedical issues, including nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, and palliative and spiritual care. Throughout, the emphasis is on providing an up-to-date and balanced review of both the clinical and basic sciences aspects of the subject, and to reflect the multi-disciplinary nature of the cystic fibrosis care team. Drawing on the expertise of a team of international specialists from a variety of backgrounds, the third edition of Cystic Fibrosiswill continue to find a broad readership among respiratory physicians, paediatricians, specialist nurses and other health professionals working with patients with cystic fibrosis.