Customer Reviews

Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Physiology: A Problem-Based Approach, 3e

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(1)
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Using patient-based problem solving, this text makes even the most difficult points of acid-base physiology clear. The writing style is breezy and entertaining and the layout allows you to pop in and out of various sections without the need to start from scratch. I have used the text for teaching medical students, residents and physician assistants. There is something in here for everyone. The authors' philosophy is obviously that acid-base problems are giant jig-saw puzzles and that you might as well have fun while working them.

This is probably one of the best textbooks on integrative physiology involving electrolytes on the market. Dr. Halperin is a phenomenal instructor and his prose makes learning interactive and interesting. Electrolytes are key to clinical medicine and surprisingly not very well understood by the medical masses. This textbook is full of examples, questions, and pearls.

The abundance of questions with thorough explanations is the strength of this book. An understanding of electolytes including urine electrolytes will be gained from the study of this text.

The target audience is really the physician with an already good grounding in acid-base disorders. It will allow one to build on past knowledge and to solidy any foundation that has already been established. I am really and truly impressed with this book and I refer to it often.

As a nephrologist and educator, I can say that this is the absolute best book available for learning and teaching fluid, electrolytes, and acid base. Takes a pathophysiologic approach throughout that facilitates true understanding of the subject. Drs. Haperin and Goldstein are the ultimate clinical educators in this area.

I'm certainly not claiming to be an expert in this field but there is no discussion of volemia in the entire text. Granted, this may be described in the text as intravascular ECF but in clinical practice the terms natremia, volemia, tonicity, and osmolarity/osmolality are used together to describe the "fluid" status of patients. So, a student could read this text but still be lost on rounds or in discussions on the topic.

The text also strongly recommends giving hypertonic saline to any patient with a sodium level of < 130 "even if there are no symptoms". It defends this by stating the benefits but doesn't discuss the risks or the need for central line placement. From my experience this is way outside usual and customary practice and can be dangerous.

"Acid-base, fluids, and electrolytes made ridiculously simple" is a much better text which includes many questions at the end of each chapter that really helped my understanding and is a great place to start.

Los Profesores Halperin y Goldstein de Canadá, han escrito un libro que alcanza la altura de un clásico. Aquí se destila una vida dedicada a la enseñanza y a la investigación. El libro está organizado en torno a casos y problemas clínicos. Tiene sus respectivas respuestas. Y siempre tiene mucho que enseñar. Ciertamente, sería aún mejor si tuviéramos un medio electrónico, donde esta obra encomiable no pierda vigencia.

I was very happy with this book. The acid base chapters are excellent. Highly recommended.