Review
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 09-MAY-07, Volume 297, Paul Kokorowski, MD and Chester J. Koh, MD, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles -- "Continuing the tradition of establishing the gold standard in textbooks, Drs Jennette, Olson, Schwartz, and Silva have produced another authoritative edition of Robert Heptinstall's classic 1966 text on renal pathology. Leading an impressive group of contributors in the field, the authors furnish an upgraded version restructured and infused with potent visual enhancements. Considered by most to be 'The Bible' of renal pathology, the 6th edition lives up to its heritage as the standard text for the pathological diagnosis of kidney diseases... "On first glance one can appreciate the color added to the new edition. From the cover forward, nearly every other page has an upgraded color micrograph. In some cases, micrographs from the first edition have been restored with color, while others portray findings never possible in black and white...Color enhances not only the scientific figures but also comfortably adds emphasis to section headings and tables. In addition to summaries of new standard classification schemes, important details regarding the molecular basis of normal and diseased states have been added to new figures and tables describing everything from the tertiary structure of proteins to the chromosomal mapping of key genes... "The extensive list of references, in some cases exceeding 1300, highlights the comprehensive nature of this text...Each chapter presents information that will continue to be valid for years to come, including molecular markers that may become the therapeutic targets of tomorrow. Current topics of debate are described in detail, such as the relationship between IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Tables highlight similarities and differences, with thought-provoking text describing key observations. While providing current information, the textbook also delivers a reverent account of key historical discoveries and insights by the founders of renal pathology. Interspersed between the latest in molecular discoveries are curious references to methods of the past, such as the 150-year-old technique of tissue preservation with brandy. "Of particular interest is the expanded section on the pathology of renal transplantation. More than 300 additional references have been cited in the updated version, paralleling recent advances in our understanding of transplant biology. Topics such as acute antibody-mediated rejection highlight the significant progress in our comprehension of rejection mechanisms... "Overall, this text is a valuable addition if not essential component to the library of pathologists and nephrologists. Bold use of visual effects combined with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information is a pervasive feature of this most recent revision. This textbook is a scholarly achievement worthy of Dr Heptinstall's legacy."-Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Doody's Book Review Service, 19-FEB-08, Da Zhang, MD, University of Kansas Medical Center -- "There are several very good nephropathology books on the market, but none of them even comes close to the encyclopedic approach used in the Heptinstall. This sixth edition is based upon a 40-year tradition, and it remains the preeminent and leading text in the field. It belongs to all major medical libraries and should be one of the core titles in all departmental libraries both for pathologists and internists/nephrologists."-Doody's Book Review Service (Weighted Numerical Score: 98; 5 Stars) -- "Although I would recommend that the text be covered in its numbered sequence, the book is written so that each individual instructor (orstudent for that matter) can adjust the order of the material."
