Care of the Newborn

longer and presents new material on a variety of topics such as ionic imbalances, glomerulonephritis, and the roles played by parathyroid hormone and angiotensin/ aldosterone. The references have been updated and in many cases expanded. The format, organization, and concise style of this paperback monograph combined with its well-chosen tables, figures, and light, electron, and immunofluorescent micrographs make it one of the very best treatments available on renal physiology and its derangements. Our only suggestion for an improved third edition would be the inclusion of a problem set and answer series similar to that found in Heinz Valtin's Renal Dysfunction-especially in those areas that lend themselves to such reinforcement (e.g., acid-base). We recommend the text strongly to medical students for their pathophysiology course and to house officers and physicians interested in a lucid, aptly illustrated review of the subject matter. What makes Leaf and Cotran's monograph such an outstanding work is that the order in which essential concepts are succinctly presented lends itself to a rapid and ready comprehension of kidney function and dysfunction. Upon this firm foundation the management of renal disease, as well as complex multiple organ system interactions, is easily comprehended. The 'book begins with excellent chapters on renal circulation, basic kidney physiology, and the regulation of volume/ osmolarity and acid-base. After having presented and explained the principles of renal function, the authors embark upon discussions of hyperand hypokalemia, edema, diuretics, acute and chronic renal failure, and hyperand hyponatremia. Next presented is the renal handling of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium, and the various causes of imbalances of these ions' concentrations. An excellent chapter on glomerulonephritis follows and offers a superbly illustrated discussion of the interrelationships between the pathological alterations observed microscopically, the accompanying pathophysiological derangements, and the typical clinical course of the afflicted patient. The last two chapters review renal vascular disease, hypertension, and pyelonephritis as well as other interstitial nephritides. The monograph concludes with a substantial appendix on membrane transport and an adequate index. Although the kidney purist (i.e., renal fellow) would probably appreciate a more profound discussion on a variety of complex topics, such depth in many still unresolved and controversial areas would probably detract from the authors' educational objectives and only confuse the wide readership the book would otherwise enjoy. We believe that the text admirably presents and explains much of the tremendous scope of renal derangement and we commend the authors for their didactic success. It is indeed unfortunate that comparable pathophysiology texts are not available for many other organ systems.