Urinary Tract Infection

This book presents the problems of cancer in childhood to the paediatrician practising in the community in an attempt to bring him up to date with present methods of management. The book has 11 different contributors and each chapter deals with a different major tumour. In addition, there are chapters on leukaemia, unusual forms of leukaemia, and on immunotherapy of cancer. Each contributor attempts to discuss clinical presentation, diagnosis, laboratory findings, and treatment. There is, however, a great variation in the emphasis placed on these different aspects in the various chapters, and it is often necessary for the reader to search for relevant information regarding essential investigatory procedures among details of tests more appropriate to research centres. The chapter on leukaemia is sketchy in its information and is out of date in advice on treatment. There is very little mention of the more up-to-date protocols. Though the importance of infection is emphasized, little practical advice is given to the doctor on how to manage the problem, and though suitable antibiotics are suggested, no mention is made of appropriate dose regimens. The management of acute myeloblastic leukaemia is not covered. The chapter on tumours of the central nervous system is succinct and orientated to therapy, and therefore gives the reader a clear and concise account of the problem and the principles of therapy, which could be used as a guideline for management. The problem of support of the families of children with malignant disease is not covered by any of the contributors and yet must be of major importance to the community physician. This book does not succeed in presenting the problem of childhood malignancy to the doctor associated only with occasional cases, and in fact illustrates how difficult it is to include such people in the management of this important group of disorders.