Liver Disorders in Childhood

Abstract

The second edition of<i>Liver Disorders in Childhood</i>comes eight years after publication of the original text. Many of the topics have been extensively expanded to include updated explanations of normal anatomy and cellular and subcellular function, as well as pathogenetic mechanisms of disease and new diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies. The discussions are accompanied by a large number of excellent summary tables, line drawings, and electron micrographs. Introductory chapters on bilirubin and bile salt formation and secretion and drug metabolism provide a basis for understanding physiological and disease-related perturbations, which are discussed in subsequent sections. The text is highly readable, almost conversational in style, as Dr Mowat shares his extensive knowledge and experience. The format of the chapters tends to follow a consistent pattern, which includes definition, etiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management. The discussion of pathogenesis in some sections is perhaps too simplified (hepatic coma). However, the great