Practical Approach in Tuberculosis Management (with CD-ROM), Editors Dr. V.K. Arora and Raksha Arora; Jaypee Brothers Med. Publishers, New Delhi, pages 728, Price Rs. 895/-.

The authors of this excellent treatise on tuberculosis deserve to be congratulated for producing a book detailing practical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of the disease. It is only fitting that this work should emanate from Prof. V.K. Arora, whose name is indelibly linked with tuberculosis control in India and globally. With inputs from an expert of such eminence, it is probably just as well that the book is co-authored by a professional who is not an expert in tuberculosis; because the combination of inputs has resulted in a book that covers every aspect of tuberculosis, yet in an easily readable and understandable format.

Four major sections of the book cover issues related to epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment, besides two important sections that deal with tuberculosis in special situations and recent advances. The appendices at the end contain the summaries of meetings of expert committees and national guidelines-useful information that is not usually available to practicing clinicians. The chapters are well written and there is a continuous flow of content without undue repetition. A major highlight of the book is the collection of excellent colour photographs at the beginning as well as high-quality radiographic images throughout. Printing on art paper has resulted in clarity of images that is far better than that usually available in Indian textbooks. The CD-ROM within the back cover is a treasure chest of clinical and radiographic images and is indeed a welcome concept in an Indian textbook.

The chapters on pediatric tuberculosis are probably too small to cover all aspects of the disease, but this is partly made up by additional chapters on tuberculous meningitis and co-infection with HIV. The case based approach to pediatric tuberculosis should make it easy for general practioners to deal with childhood tuberculosis.

As in most Indian textbooks, the index at the end is limited and can be expanded in keeping with international texts. In future editions, the authors may also consider adding chapters on preventive aspects of tuberculosis including BCG vaccination (history and current status) and efforts to produce newer vaccines.

The affordable price of this precise yet concise book justifies its inclusion in the personal library of every practicing clinician.

Joseph L. Mathew,
Assistant Professor (Pediatric Pulmonology),
Advanced Pediatrics Center,
PGIMER, Chandigarh 160012,
India.
E-mail: [email protected]

Practical Newborn Critical Care Nursing, Editor-in-Chief Dipak K. Guha, Editors Rashmi Guha and R.D. Srivastava; forward O.N. Bhakoo, Publisher: Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi (Pages 357, Price: Rs. 150).

The book Practical Newborn Critical Care Nursing edited by Dr. Deepak K. Guha is an excellent book for nurses working in level II and III cares nurseries. The algorithmic approach with practical tips given in this book for various important neonatal conditions would serve as an important tool for learning. The book dealt important conditions seen in developing counties e.g., low birth weight management, feeding, prevention of infections with perfection. The role of neonatal nurse, their functions including administrative aspects have been covered in an excellent manner in this book. The practical procedures including administration of drugs, formulations and calculations would be of immense help to not only nurses but even for residents working in neonatal intensive care set up.

I am sure this book will be a useful companion for every neonatal nurse and should find a place in the desktop of each neonatal unit.

A.K. Dutta,
Director-Professor and Head,
Department of Pediatrics,
Lady Hardinge Medical College,
New Delhi 110 001, India.
E-mail: [email protected]