
This review is for the book Goldfrank’s Manual of Toxicologic Emergencies, by R.S. Hoffman, L.S. Nelson, M.A. Howland, N.A. Lewin, N.E. Flomenbaum, and L.R. Goldfrank, which can be purchased here. The reviewer has received no financial renumeration for this review.
I purchased this book and read it through the toxicology rotation due to a personal interest in the subject matter. I wanted a text that would be comprehensive and detailed, but not so long that it would not be readable within approximately a month’s time (i.e., reading the big Goldfrank’s was not a viable option), and not so abbreviated that I would feel like it was too basic. Overall, I found this book to be an excellent choice.
The text of the book is 1066 pages (not including the index). It is divided into 3 main sections: General Approach to Medical Toxicology (discussing some basic principles of approaching the poisoned patient), Fundamental Principles of Medical Toxicology (primarily organized by organ systems and discussion of special populations), and Clinical Basis of Medical Toxicology (the heart of the book, discussing individual toxins and antidotes, as well as a final section discussing disasters, poison control centers, and epidemiology). The chapters discussing individual toxins or group of related toxins are generally organized in a consistent manner, with a discussion of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic testing, and management. Where appropriate, the chapter on the antidote follows its respective toxin.
Strengths of the book including the overall homogeneity of the book, depth of discussion with practical information including dosages on management, mostly appropriate use of tables and charts, and comprehensive range of the material. Weaknesses include occasionally too brief discussion of certain toxins and lack of references. If you are looking for a fairly definitive reference in toxicology, that is a readable length, I would recommend this book.
Overall score (out of 5 stars):





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