Pediatric Allergy: Principles and Practice: Expert Consult (Leung, Pediatric Allergy) by Donald Y. M. Leung MD PhD, Hugh Sampson, Raif Geha MD and Stanley J. Szefler MD

This necessary and long-overdue textbook on allergic disorders in infants and children covers a wide range of topics, thus ensuring a good overview of the entire field. It covers food allergy extensively in nine well-written chapters, whose topics range from the mechanisms of mucosal immunity to the diagnosis and management of food allergy. Of particular note is the chapter on the prevention of atopy, in which various controversies are well presented and discussed. The 12 chapters in the section on asthma expertly cover immunopathology, new directions in research, and the clinical aspects of asthma. Chapters on the unique features of the education of patients about asthma and the promotion of adherence to treatment and self-management highlight the multidisciplinary approach needed for optimal treatment of the child with asthma. Rhinitis and drug allergies are discussed in less detail, and readers may have to refer to larger textbooks for more comprehensive information. As a bonus, sections on pediatric immunology and immunodeficiency have been included. Consistent with the rest of the textbook, these sections are concise and offer practical algorithms and tables. However, in contrast to the comprehensive and balanced treatment of the major problems in childhood allergy, the chapters on immunology reflect the experience of practitioners at only a single center. This book should appeal to trainees in pediatrics and related specialties because of its uniformly well-written text and well-organized format. The "key concepts" boxes throughout each chapter are invaluable for highlighting important points and summarizing information. Chaim Roifman, M.D.
Copyright © 2004 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
This is by far the best reference book I have seen in the Field of Allergy/Asthma/Immunology. The chapters are well written (I wish "Middleton's Allergy Principle and Practice" was this well written) and complete. Charts are clear. There is a small picture section in the front which as some nice clear pictures (although some a a little small)--Perhaps the authors can expand this section with the next edition, which I'll eagerly purchase. Let's hope someone can come out with a similar quality book for the adult population.