Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies

Abstract

Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies . By Nelson, L.S., Lewin, N.A., Howland, M.A., Hoffman, R.S., Goldfrank, L.R., Flomenbaum, N.E. . New York : McGraw-Hill Professional , 2010 ; 1968 pp ; 9th ed. ; $259.00 (hardcover ). Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies is a comprehensive text with relevant and insightful information for any physician in need of assistance in managing the poisoned patient or in need of in-depth analysis of the field. The text has an organized approach with easy-to-navigate contents and colored tables and figures to illustrate the specifics discussed within the text. The text is divided into general sections covering the approach, fundamental principles, and clinical basis of medical toxicology. Each of these general sections is divided into chapters that provide a comprehensive review of the basic principles, utility, and controversies that exist regarding the topic at hand. The first major section covers the general approach to medical toxicology with discussions of principles, diagnostic tests and imaging, decontamination and elimination, pharmacokinetic principles, and resource utilization regarding intensive care unit admissions. Tables, flow charts, and images illustrate these principles throughout this section and act as useful resources for quick review. The next major section discusses fundamental principles, separated into biochemical, molecular, and physiologic bases for toxic exposures. This section helps clarify toxicologic concepts as they relate to both the cellular and organ system levels. It neatly discusses each organ system and its response to toxins, as well as the variety of manifestations seen with different toxins. Again, the colored figures and images supplement the text to better communicate the principles and concepts. This section finishes with discussions of unique populations and their influence on toxicologic processes. From the pediatric to the elderly, from the newborn to the pregnant, this section discusses particular ingestions, exposures, and processes to consider when treating these patients. The next and largest section discusses each class of toxin in depth, paired with its antidotes. The antidote section is particularly useful and, with the color scheme that was absent in the previous edition, these chapters are easy to find and reference. The final section deals with poison centers and epidemiology. This part of the book explores the role of prevention and education, research design, adverse drug events, and postmarketing surveillance. A useful chapter on risk management and legal principles helps complete this text as a comprehensive and thorough discussion of all things related to toxicology. Besides updated information, including new data and references, this book functions better than its predecessor with the addition of colored figures and diagrams that help to more succinctly depict concepts and ideas. The colored contents also aid in easy and quick navigation throughout the text. Overall, Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies continues to deliver the same high-quality, comprehensive discussion seen in previous editions, with added improvements in readability, flow, images, and figures. Medical toxicology can be complex and overwhelming, but this text helps to deliver the information in an understandable, yet complete format.