The Blood in Disease.

Abstract

The book abounds in minor deficiencies: errors of omission (infectious mononucleosis is missing); errors of commission (the demonstrably and notoriously inaccurate indirect platelet counting method is employed and touted as the preferred method); and syntactical problems—Hemosiderosis, another major disorder related to the presence of excessive iron deposits, is that found in certain anemias. The book's major deficiencies involve certain attitudes regarding therapy. To judge from his recommendations and performance Hall is convinced that corticosteroid is relatively harmless stuff. For the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura he proposes that may wish to recommend this regime indefinitely. He presents an exemplary case of child in whom thrombocytopenia developed following rubella. Pediatric hematologists have learned that it is safe, and therefore advisable, to give no medication for this self-limited disorder. Hall prescribed prednisone. After one week the child's platelet count had returned to normal (800,000 indirect), but steroid therapy was continued for