From The New England Journal of Medicine
The simultaneous publication of two large, multiauthored books devoted to blood platelets is a landmark in hematology. In 1970, when I completed my training, I changed my research focus from red cells (the interest of my mentors) to platelets. Very little was known about platelets at that time; it was an open field for a beginning investigator. What a difference three decades have made. These two books represent the progressive narrowing of focus that is essential to the description of expanding knowledge. When I was beginning my career, books in this subspecialty were simply titled Hematology; later, books on hemostasis and thrombosis appeared; now, with these books, the focus has narrowed further, to platelets. The beauty of these two books is not just their focus but also their elegant presentation and breadth of topics. The books have similar content and a nearly parallel design. Both begin with enjoyable and instructive historical perspectives that present accounts of the evolution of our knowledge about platelets written by authors whose productive careers have spanned this evolution: Barry Coller in the Michelson book; Fraser Mustard, Raelene Kinlough-Rathbone, and Marian Packham in the book edited by Gresele et al. The latter book also concludes with an additional historical perspective by Gustav Born. Both books contain chapters on the structure and function of platelets; techniques of laboratory evaluation; descriptions of platelet disorders, including the role of platelets in systemic diseases; and therapeutic approaches such as platelet transfusion and platelet-directed antithrombotic therapy. Both books clearly achieve their goal of comprehensive coverage of platelet biology and pathology. The editors have assembled the best authors, and the authors have all provided thorough reviews with comprehensive, current citations. As would be expected in such a focused field, some authors have contributed to both books. For example, Michelson and his four coauthors contributed the chapter on the use of flow-cytometric analysis to both books. Both books are wonderfully illustrated with interpretive diagrams and charts. The Michelson book is more polished, with many color plates throughout; the illustrations in the Gresele book are less elegant, and the color plates are grouped into a single section. The Gresele book has a greater number of detailed chapters on platelet physiology; the Michelson book has greater breadth of coverage of platelet disorders. However, the books are more similar than they are different. The key question for this review is "Why read or, perhaps, even purchase either book?" The pace of the development of new knowledge in platelet biology makes some sections obsolete even before publication. New knowledge regarding platelets is continuously being presented and being given increasing space in relevant journals. The electronic media have made this increased information much more accessible than was previously the case. So I approached this review with caution. I wondered whether all large, comprehensive books like these are becoming obsolete. I wondered how books like these could be recommended for anyone. But after reading (parts of) them, I am impressed by their value. It is their breadth that is so impressive. Here are some examples. Jack Levin's chapter in the Michelson book on the evolution of platelets, including the evolution of hemostasis and blood coagulation, is a capstone to his career-long interest in this area. Nowhere but in a book like this one could Levin present, in such a lovely, illustrated fashion, the story of platelets from horseshoe-crab amebocytes through wallabies, manatees, and armadillos. This may not be part of the "core curriculum" for physicians or scientists, but it is enriching and stimulating. (Besides, we all know that the core of an apple is discarded after we have enjoyed the rest, and this chapter is indeed enjoyable.) Another example is the story of platelets in neurologic and psychiatric disorders, which is covered in both books. This also is not standard material; it seems far from hemostasis. In the chapters that recount this story, platelet abnormalities and potential roles for platelets in the mechanisms of diverse mood disorders are reviewed. A chapter on Alzheimer's disease in the Michelson book reviews current data on platelets as the major source of plasma amyloid precursor protein. The authors speculate that studies of platelets may help in the development of therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease and may be important in monitoring patients' responses to treatment. Yet another example of the unexpected breadth of these books is provided by the chapters in the Gresele book on the role of platelets in such diverse situations as embryo development and inflammatory bowel disease. I have had a career-long interest in platelets, yet I found these topics entirely novel and, because of their novelty, I found them enriching. While writing this review, I became convinced that large books like these still have great value. That value may not lie so much in the specific topic for which the reader opens the book, although such topics are covered in excellent detail. I believe a greater value lies in the discovery and the fascination of the "noncore" topics. This added value is essential for scientists who devote their careers to basic or clinical research on platelets. The variety of related topics will provide new ideas, new insights, and new perspectives. This is the key to success in research -- the "Aha!" moment arising from an unexpected source. For clinicians, these books have limited value. Disorders in the number and function of platelets are comprehensively covered, but other current books, journal reviews, and electronic sources are more valuable and practical in terms of the diagnosis and management of disease. The strength of the clinical sections, as of the other sections, is their value for the investigator. The detailed summaries of genetic defects in platelets, for example, are a useful resource. Similarly, the chapters on antithrombotic therapy may have interest for clinicians, but the focus is on molecular mechanisms. For the scientist-reader, these books are landmarks, like marker pins in a survey of biology and disease seen from the perspective of the study of the platelet. They can be useful, comprehensive references, but their greater value lies in the new insights and ideas they inspire.
James N. George, M.D.Copyright © 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.
Review
"...this book, with its scope and depth, has much to offer clinicians, laboratory hematologists and academic researchers alike who are actively involved with platelets. ...arguably the most complete compendium available on the subject that was once regarded as merely 'blood dust'. The volume will make a valuable addition to hematology, departmental and institutional libraries alike as a definitive reference."
-BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY (2003)
"...a must have for the shelf of physicians and scientists with more than a passing interest in platelet pathophysiology."
-LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY (2003)
"... most up-to-date comprehensive standard work, which provides a superb reference for everyone interested in platelets."
-PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HAEMOSTASIS AND THROMBOSIS (November 2003)
"If you have no time to waste and want a book that is easy to read, concise, and to the point, then Platelets is the book for you."
-ARCH PATHOL LAB MED (November 2003)
"This 'tome' will be an excellent source for medical students who wish to specialize in transfusion medicine, as well as for practitioners in the field looking for a single-handed compilation of authoritative material for refreshing their knowledge."
-TRANSFUSION (December 2003)
"...an attractive and comprehensive compendium that is one of the first to appear on this important subject in more than a decade...
Platelets will be a highly valued contemporary information resource both for scientists and investigators with an interest in one or more aspects of platelets...the book should be a component of medical and scientific libraries, as well as the specialized collections of those with clinical and research interests in platelets."
-INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY ON THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS (2003)
"...stands out as the most comprehensive and up-to-date review of platelets yet published."
-JOURNAL OF VASCULAR SURGERY
"A hefty, comprehensive reference comprising 61 contributed chapters on those small cells with big roles."
-SCITECH BOOK NEWS (December 2002)
"
Platelets is an excellent, beautifully organized text. The authors are the best in the world, and their efforts to provide definitive information on a broad range of subjects belnd well. Presentation is excellent. Without a doubt, the text will serve as a definitive resource for years to come."
-DEPARTMENT OF LABRATORY MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY, AND PEDIATRICS (2003)
"The book has many strengths...will find a place in many libraries, both general medical and personal collections. The material is of self sufficient quality and scope that many chapters will retain their value for years to come."
-SEATTLE VETERANS HOSPITAL (2003)
