Thrombosis and Thromboembolism.

Goldhaber SZ, Ridker PM, eds. New York, NY 10016-0602, Marcel Dekker Inc, 2002, hardcover, 382 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-8247-0646-3, $165.

This book is a timely and comprehensive update on the field of thrombosis and thromboembolism. The intent of this book is to help practicing physicians, clinical investigators, and other researchers involved in the basic science and clinical aspects of this broad and rapidly evolving topic by providing them with the latest information. The book is organized into 5 parts: "Hypercoagulability," "Clinical Pharmacology: Acute Coronary Syndromes," "Diagnostic Laboratory and Catheter Interventions: Arterial," "Venous Thromboembolism," and "Catheter and Surgical Interventions: Venous."

The first part is divided into 4 chapters on the topics of hypercoagulability, which includes the role of inflammation, and hormone replacement therapy. Part II is an extensive update on pharmacologic therapy for acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina. The third part provides an update on the interventions that have been developed in the catheterization laboratory for the treatment of arterial thrombosis. Part IV focuses on venous thromboembolism and includes state-of-the-art chapters on the etiology, diagnosis, and pharmacologic management of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. The concluding part describes catheter and surgical interventions for those patients with extensive and life-threatening venous thromboembolism.

The book includes summary tables, illustrations, and references to recent clinical trials. Each chapter contains a critical analysis of the topic along with conclusions based on evidence from the United States and international sources.

Despite the lack of content related to physical therapy, the book warrants a look from instructors who would like to provide their students with the most recent evidence on the medical and surgical management of patients with thrombosis orthromboembolism. Although the book may be too narrow in scope for an entry-level physical therapy textbook, it may serve as an adjunct reference for those interested in research.

Janna Beling, PT, PhD
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, Calif

Dr Beling is Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and teaches in the areas of cardiopulmonary physical therapy, physiology, pharmacology, and geriatrics. She also conducts research on clinical exercise physiology and practices in the area of cardiac rehabilitation.