Rare Disease Information Directory

This reference for lay readers and health care professionals presents information on disorders affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. at any one time. Each of the more than 1,100 entries describes the characteristics, causes, and symptoms of a particular disorder. The extensively cross-referenced volume also features profiles of 680 disease specific organizations as well as 629 umbrella organizations and 77 government agencies. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This classic reference, now with almost 900 disease descriptions, is edited by nationally known pediatrician Jess G. Thoene, M.D. & provides a quick, organized approach to identifying puzzling & unusual symptoms, giving patients the opportunity for early diagnosis & treatment. Special features include: * A full color atlas of visual clues, cross referenced to disease listings. * Thirteen separate specialty sections with an expert overview to introduce each section. Eminent clinicians from the outstanding research centers in rare diseases give you the current status of research & practical approaches to diagnosis & therapy of the rare diseases in that specialty. * Full reference to more than 250 orphan drugs. Each drug is cross referenced to the appropriate disease description. * Clear language for the Layperson. Though written for physicians, the descriptions of diseases, symptoms & treatments are clear & understandable for patients, educators & others outside the medical profession. Each disease description provides symptomatology, etiology, affected population & a comparison of related disorders. Each disease description contains a list of other resources to consult: voluntary agencies, units of the National Institutes of Health, research centers around the country, etc. Addresses & phone numbers are provided in a central reference. Library Journal: "...PHYSICIAN'S GUIDE...is recommended for medical collections & public libraries with consumer health collections."

Rare diseases collectively affect millions of Americans of all ages, but developing drugs and medical devices to prevent, diagnose, and treat these conditions is challenging. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends implementing an integrated national strategy to promote rare diseases research and product development.