Book Review

Pediatrics - What is the most probable diagnosis. Vijay P. Makhija. Paras Publishing. Hyderabad, 1st edn. 1999, pp 110, Price Rs. 60/-

Over the years very few books have been written on differential diagnosis/most probable diagnosis by Indian Authors. There is no shortcut for making a diagnosis first and then attempting for treatment.

This book has a wealth of information primarly on refinement of diagnostic skill for students both undergraduate and postgraduates.

No management/treatment howsoever intelligently it may be planned can be appropriate and scientific without a correct diagnosis. For diagnosing correctly one has to be fully aware without any bias while asking or listening to the history of the patient. It also means that one has to examine thoroughly and carefully using his or her all senses with full attention. The relevant information is gathered and then analyzed to reach to a working diagnosis.

This small book has 213 questions and explanatory answers. In many ofthe accompanying answers an attempt has been amde to reveal the methodology of reachign that particular diagnosis and other relevant details about the disease.

In this book which is otherwise well assembled, there are lapses in editing at a few places. Bedside simple laboratory/routine investigations have not been even touched in many places. If the author had include some investigations also in each question, the book would have been of better help to students.

This book will be of help in improving diagnostic skill and at the same time give a bird's eye view of different pediatric problems and their varying presentation to students and practitioners both.

V.N. Tripathi,
Professor,
Department of Pediatrics,
G.S.V.M. Medical College,
Kanpur 208 002,
India.