Patient - controlled Analgesia

In the preface, the authors state that this manual is meant as a guide to the practical management of patients with haematological disorders, and I think that they have succeeded admirably in their aim. That they are practising clinical haematologists comes over clearly, and there were many interesting practical points made. The best parts of the book were those where these practical experiences came through most clearly for instance, in the chapters on cytotoxic therapy, in terminal care in haematological malignancy, and in the description of practical procedures. With the restraints of the format, it is always difficult not to end up with lists of diseases, or causes, or symptoms, and this makes the earlier part of the book more artificial, although no less full of useful pieces of information than the last part. The style also means that equal stress is given to rarity (such as neuroblastoma cells mimicking acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, as one example of a leukaemoid reaction), as to the very common. The style also presents much advice on what can reasonably be undertaken by a relative beginner in clinical haematology, and what should be left to the expert. For instance, I would be unhappy if a patient with thrombocytosis were started on a large dose of hydroxurea (25 g/ day) without close haematological supervision. Also, there are a few minor errors the use ofmCi for 32P is out-of-date, and a few cross-references have been left blank. However, I think this is an excellent little book, wellproduced, clear and interesting, and I will be delighted to see it sticking out of the pockets of the junior haematological staff.