WAO Medical Book Review
New Perspectives in Monitoring Lung Inflammation: Analysis of Exhaled Breath Condensate
2005 CRC Press
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Reviewer: Mark C. Glaum, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics
University of South Florida
In recent years, much attention has focused on the potential use of airway inflammatory markers to guide the diagnosis and management of chronic lung disease. Until now there have been few, if any, primary texts that concentrate discussion on the methodology and application of these technologies in adults and children. This textbook reviews the current state of art in the methodology and reliability of non-invasive measurement of airway inflammation through exhaled breath condensate. The text provides background and rationale for the evaluation of several important markers of airway inflammation that may have useful clinical applications in the evaluation and treatment of lung disease.
The purpose is to provide the researcher and clinician with a concise review of data that supports use of exhaled breath condensate as a tool to monitor airway inflammation. The information is presented in a clear, organized manner that allows for quick retrieval of key facts.
The textbook is targeted to researchers and clinicians interested in chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Specialists most likely to utilize this resource include pulmonologists and allergists who routinely care for patients with asthma as well as other chronic lung diseases.
The initial chapters describe in detail, methodological issues in the collection of exhaled breath condensate. Subsequent chapters focus on the measurement of key airway inflammatory markers. Application of this technology in children is discussed in its own chapter. Each chapter begins with a table of contents showing the organization of presented material. Charts and tables are well designed and clearly presented. Chapters conclude with suggestions for further reading including well-annotated, timely references. The concluding chapters of the book discuss potential implications of exhaled breath condensate analysis in the diagnosis and management of lung diseases.
Technological advances in the non-invasive measurement of airway inflammatory markers will likely revolutionize the way in which lung diseases are diagnosed and managed. Objective means to measure airway inflammation will allow for precisely guided adjustments in airway disease management not currently possible with commonly available methods. New Perspectives in Monitoring Lung Inflammation: Analysis of Exhaled Breath Condensate provides an excellent introduction to this emerging technology and is a must-have for clinicians and researchers who strive to be at the forefront of innovations in the diagnosis and management of chronic lung disease.