The first observation of cold-induced precipitation of serum proteins dates back to 1933, when Wintrobe and Buell first described an unusual case of multiple myeloma in a woman whose serum reversibly precipitated at cold temperatures. In 1947 Lerner and Watson showed cold-precipitable proteins to be gammaglobulins and called them ‘cryoglobulins’ and the corresponding clinical condition ‘cryoglobulinemia’. Meltzer and Franklin in 1966 provided an accurate description of the typical clinical symptoms associated with cryoglobulinemia, showed that they consisted of two different globulin components and, because of the ignorance on its etiology, called this clinical condition ‘essential mixed cryoglobulinemia’. For almost 20 years progress has been rather slow in this field, but when at the end of the ‘80s it finally became possible to detect the occurrence in the serum of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), many groups in Europe and the United States almost simultaneously reported that a high proportion of ‘essential’ cryoglobulinemias are in fact associated with HCV infection. This hallmark has resulted in a new impetus and great enthusiasm in carrying out new researches made possible by the awareness that cryoglobulinemia is to be considered an undisputable extrahepatic manifestation of HCV infection. In addition, the evidence that HCV has tropism for hepatocytes and lymphocytes has stimulated new approaches to the autoimmune phenomena and the potential transformation in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas which not infrequently can be discovered in these patients. The same applies to the obvious therapeutic implications, once the association between HCV infection and mixed cryoglobulinemia has been firmly established. It was thus felt that times were ripe to produce a state-of-the-art survey of the multi-faceted picture of cryoglobulinemia. This book is indeed unique in the detail of its presentation, its completeness and its fundamental approach to the subject. The most qualified authors have been invited to contribute critical articles reviewing significant developments related to each of the eight sections in which the whole treatment has been divided: from basic mechanisms governing interactions between HCV and the immune system to the immunochemical characterization of cryoglobulins and the frequently concomitant serological abnormalities; from genetic features and the role of certain cytokines and chemokines to the cellular compartments of HCV infection and replication; from the clinical manifestations of cryoglobulinemic patients and their potential susceptibility to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to conventional treatment of the syndrome and the newer, promising therapeutic advances. The reader will appreciate the immediacy of style, the striking illustrations, and the color plates. In addition, the comprehensive review of a systemic disease such as cryoglobulinemia will interest basic scientists and specialists involved in several disciplines, including internal medicine, hepatology, hematology, oncology, infectious diseases, rheumatology, nephrology and dermatology. General practitioners, graduate and post-graduate students will also find in this book an irreplaceable source of update in this fascinating field.

This handbook provides up-to-date and comprehensive treatment of all plasma cell disorders, including both common and rare disorders. All disease aspects from pathogenesis to most recent therapy are covered. The text originates from the Mayo Clinic, the world's most experienced institution in plasma cell disorders. Comprehensive treatise on all plasma cell disorders from the gene level to treatment of emergencies Chapters are uniformly organized for easy data access All authors are important authorities in their field with extensive clinical experience

In recent years, wound care has gained increasing recognition as a distinct medical specialty. An understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in wound healing facilitates efficient assessment and treatment of patients with wounds, and skin necrosis can be considered the starting point in the entire healing process. This book is the first to discuss skin necrosis as a symptom related to a broad range of pathologies. Richly illustrated, it primarily provides therapeutic strategies and treatment algorithms for different clinical contexts. All chapters were written by renowned specialists in their respected fields and include detailed sample cases and essential take-home messages. In light of the highly interdisciplinary nature of wound management, Skin Necrosis offers an invaluable resource for wound care practitioners and health care professionals across the fields of surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, and nursing.

This volume in the Foundations in Diagnostic Pathology Series packs today's most essential pulmonary pathology into a compact, high-yield format! It covers both common and rare neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the lung and pleura and focuses primarily on diagnosis with correlations to clinical and radiographic characteristics. Its pragmatic, well-organized approach, abundant full-color illustrations, and at-a-glance boxes and tables make the information you need easy to access. Practical and affordable, this resource is ideal for study and review as well as everyday clinical practice! Detailed discussions on today’s technologies help you select the best test for case evaluation. Chapters devoted to the techniques used in the assessment of pulmonary diseases, including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescnece, and certain clinical laboratory tests offer you a better understanding of techniques and their application for the diagnosis of lung disease. Internationally recognized pathologists convey the most current information, keeping you on the cusp of your field. More than 800 photomicrographs and gross photographs—most in full color—present important pathologic features, enabling you to form a differential diagnosis and compare your findings with actual cases. Uses a consistent, user-friendly format, including at-a-glance boxes and tables for easy reference.

​​​ Inpatient Dermatology is a concise and portable resource that synthesizes the most essential material to help physicians with recognition, differential diagnosis, work-up, and treatment of dermatologic issues in the hospitalized patient. Complete with hundreds of clinical and pathologic images, this volume is both an inpatient dermatology atlas and a practical guide to day-one, initial work-up, and management plan for common and rare skin diseases that occur in the inpatient setting. Each chapter is a bulleted, easy-to-read reference that focuses on one specific inpatient dermatologic condition, with carefully curated clinical photographs and corresponding histopathologic images to aid readers in developing clinical-pathologic correlation for the dermatologic diseases encountered in the hospital. Before each subsection the editors share diagnostic pearls, explaining their approach to these challenging conditions. This book is structured to be useful to physicians, residents, and medical students. It spans dermatology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, infectious disease, and rheumatology. Inpatient Dermatology is the go-to guide for hospital-based skin diseases, making even the most complex inpatient dermatologic issues approachable and understandable for any clinician.

Hepatitis B and C cause most cases of hepatitis in the United States and the world. The two diseases account for about a million deaths a year and 78 percent of world's hepatocellular carcinoma and more than half of all fatal cirrhosis. In 2013 viral hepatitis, of which hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most common types, surpassed HIV and AIDS to become the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. The world now has the tools to prevent hepatitis B and cure hepatitis C. Perfect vaccination could eradicate HBV, but it would take two generations at least. In the meantime, there is no cure for the millions of people already infected. Conversely, there is no vaccine for HCV, but new direct-acting antivirals can cure 95 percent of chronic infections, though these drugs are unlikely to reach all chronically-infected people anytime soon. This report, the first of two, examines the feasibility of hepatitis B and C elimination in the United States and identifies critical success factors. The phase two report will outline a strategy for meeting the elimination goals discussed in this report.

Rheumatologic diseases are highly associated with clinical symptoms of the skin, nails, and mucosal membranes. This book provides the practicing rheumatologist with a rapid, easy to consult reference to help interpret the nature of these cutaneous lesions and then quickly decide upon the appropriate follow-up tests. Utilizing an abundance of informative photographs, it contains all of the essential information needed for early diagnosis and treatment. This comprehensive guide properly orients the practitioner within the challenging world of rheumatologic disorders of the skin and gives insight into when consultation with a dermatologist is advisable.