The Encyclopedia of Autoimmune Diseases (Facts on File Library of Health and Living)

Cassell (a freelance writer) and Rose (director, Johns Hopkins Center for Autoimmune Disease Research) present some 300 entries detailing information on more than 80 autoimmune diseases. Entries cover medical terms, social and health care issues, at-risk groups, and research issues. The material is largely limited to an American context. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The newest addition to the Facts On File Library of Health and Living series is The Encyclopedia of Autoimmune Diseases. Like others in the series, it is a stand-alone reference. With "nearly 100 autoimmune diseases . . . affect[ing] up to 22 million Americans--8 percent of the population," this book is appropriate for both general readers and professionals. More than 300 A-Z entries, voluminous appendixes, and bibliography will guide readers in their search for information.

Entries cover terminology, key physicians and researchers, and specific diseases. Specific disease articles contain a historical and general introduction with subsections on causes, clinical features, diagnosis, complications, treatment (drug and nondrug), and other readings. A separate entry on research on the disease follows, where appropriate. Articles on ethnic, age-related, and other specific factors are included (for example, African Americans with autoimmune diseases, Environment and autoimmune disease). Familiar conditions such as allergies, AIDS, diabetes, and hepatitis are found along with less well-known diseases such as Evans' syndrome or ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP).

Appendixes list autoimmune diseases, diseases listed by target organs, organizations and help groups, patient research registries, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) investment in research on autoimmune diseases, among others topics. An extensive bibliography and index round out the encyclopedia.

Highly recommended for the academic and public library collection, this book gives unbiased medical information for the general public as well as the family and friends of a disease sufferer. RBB
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