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Overview
Anaphylaxis is an immediate-type allergic reaction involving the whole organism. It is the most life-threatening allergic condition. Although there are few exact epidemiological data regarding prevalence, estimates regarding insect sting anaphylaxis range from 1-3% in the general population, but much higher values have been reported by some authors for food and drug-induced anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is the main acute killer of allergic individuals.
Although anaphylaxis was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, there are still many unresolved issues. These include non-IgE-mediated anaphylactoid reactions, non-immunologically mediated anaphylactoid (pseudo-allergic) reactions, pathophysiological events at the microcirculatory level, appropriate therapy for the acute reaction, strategies for prevention, public education about the problem and new approaches to prevention and therapy at the IgE level. All these subjects are discussed in this book.
Since anaphylaxis occurs acutely and is unforeseen, it is very difficult to organize controlled studies regarding therapy and prevention. The spectrum of symptomatology covers many clinical areas (skin, respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system), therefore inter-disciplinary approaches are necessary for progress in the field. There is widespread uncertainty among physicians about therapy, especially concerning self-administered treatment.
In this important book, an multidisciplinary group of experts explore the pathophysiology of different types of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions. Evidence is presented on the epidemiology of these conditions while problems relating to diagnosis, therapy and prevention are examined in detail. This thorough and up-to-date coverage of the subject will be of great interest to all clinical immunologists, researchers and physicians who deal with this life-threatening condition.
Related Novartis Foundation symposia:
252 Generation and effector functions of regulatory lymphocytes Chair: Jean-François Bach
* Immunoinformatics: bioinformatic strategies for better understanding of immune function Chair: Hans-Georg Rammensee
* Cancer and inflammation Chair: Siamon Gordon
Synopsis
Papers from a February 2003 symposium report on the latest progress in the understanding of the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of anaphylaxis. Introductory overviews review the history and classification of anaphylaxis and discuss new ideas on Th2 antibody responses and allergic sensitization. Other papers look at topics including effector cells of anaphylaxis, cytokine enhancement of anaphylaxis, the human heart as a shock organ in anaphylaxis, food-induced anaphylaxis, and anaphylaxis to insect venom and anesthetic drugs. The radiocontrast molecule in anaphylaxis, epinephrine in first-aid treatment, new approaches to treatment, and public policy regarding anaphylaxis are some other topics examined. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Phil Lieberman, MD(University of Tennessee College of Medicine)
Description:This publication of the Novartis Foundation is an outgrowth of a symposium convened by the Foundation. Participants in the symposium were all recognized experts in the field of allergy/immunology, and each had a special interest in the clinical aspects or basic science phenomenon germane to the study of anaphylaxis.
Purpose:The purpose is to disseminate the opinions of experts regarding various issues that are topical and germane to the phenomenon of human anaphylaxis. The intent is to familiarize the reader with advances in our knowledge relating to this field.
Audience:Allergists/immunologists are the primary audience, but this book would make good reading for any physician interested in this area.
Features:The 15 chapters range from the basic science relative to anaphylactic events all the way to the perspective of patients suffering with such events. A particularly attractive feature is that each chapter (which corresponds to a presentation at the symposium) is followed by a lively discussion involving all participants in the symposium. The discussions themselves are unique and through them the reader becomes privy to the thoughts of a well-recognized panel of educators and research scientists working in the area of anaphylaxis. The editing of these conversations is superb and maintains the spontaneity of the discussion.
Assessment:This is a superb and unique book. There is no other publication comparable to it in scope or design. It is an essential addition to the library of individuals with a special interest in anaphylaxis and would be helpful to anyone dealing with patients experiencing anaphylactic episodes.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Phil Lieberman, MD(University of Tennessee College of Medicine)Description: This publication of the Novartis Foundation is an outgrowth of a symposium convened by the Foundation. Participants in the symposium were all recognized experts in the field of allergy/immunology, and each had a special interest in the clinical aspects or basic science phenomenon germane to the study of anaphylaxis.
Purpose: The purpose is to disseminate the opinions of experts regarding various issues that are topical and germane to the phenomenon of human anaphylaxis. The intent is to familiarize the reader with advances in our knowledge relating to this field.
Audience: Allergists/immunologists are the primary audience, but this book would make good reading for any physician interested in this area.
Features: The 15 chapters range from the basic science relative to anaphylactic events all the way to the perspective of patients suffering with such events. A particularly attractive feature is that each chapter (which corresponds to a presentation at the symposium) is followed by a lively discussion involving all participants in the symposium. The discussions themselves are unique and through them the reader becomes privy to the thoughts of a well-recognized panel of educators and research scientists working in the area of anaphylaxis. The editing of these conversations is superb and maintains the spontaneity of the discussion.
Assessment: This is a superb and unique book. There is no other publication comparable to it in scope or design. It is an essential addition to the library of individuals with a special interest in anaphylaxis and would be helpful to anyone dealing with patients experiencing anaphylactic episodes.
From the Publisher
"This is a superb and unique book. There is no other publication comparable to it in scope or design…an essential addition…" (Doody's Health Services)
4 Stars! from Doody