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Book Reviews Indian Pediatrics 2001; 38: 938-939 |
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Book Reviews |
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Advances in the understanding of fluid and electrolyte physiology have profoundly affected the practice of pediatrics in the last few decades. Not only are we continuing to treat diarrhea and dehydration, but also we are treating more seriously ill neonates and children in intensive care environments. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte therapy in patients with multisystem organ failure has greatly improved their outcome. Parenteral nutrition has evolved rapidly during the past two decades to the point of becoming a specialty in its own right. Pediatricians should not only be aware of the basic principles of fluid and electrolyte therapy but also newer technologies that facilitate its application. The second edition of this book by Prof. Sargunam is an attempt in this direction. The first part of the book provides a simplified description of a number of important theoretical concepts on fluid balance. These then form the basis for the chapters on fluid therapy in diseased states. Appropriately, emphasis is given to the epidemiology, etiology, evaluation and management of a patient with diarrhea and dehydration. Most of this information is available in standard textbooks of Pediatrics. Evaluation and management of abnormalities in serum sodium concentration are briefly discussed. It would be appropriate to expand on the differential diagnosis and evaluation of SIADH in future editions. The benefits of oral rehydration solution for treatment of hypernatremic dehydration are worth emphasis. The next two chapters summarize the fluid management in a number of medical and surgical conditions including diabetic ketoacidosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, renal failure, dengue shock syndrome, burns and intestinal obstruction. The topics are dealt succinctly and, barring a few mistakes, provide important and pertinent information. Facilities for blood gas analysis are now readily available in most hospitals in the country. Given the importance of this analysis, a full chapter is devoted to acid-base homeostasis with approach to management of patients with acidosis, alkalosis, hypo- and hyperkalemia. A number of line diagrams are incorporated to improve the understanding of the subject. It might be useful to provide some more information on the importance of assessment of urinary electrolyte excretion and urine anion gap in the evaluation of various disorders. Similarly, management of shock, and details on disorders of calcium, magnesium and phosphate balance, total parenteral nutrition and special needs of the newborn are necessary to ensure a comprehensive coverage of the subject. Overall, this is a simple and lucid descrip-tion of common fluid and electrolyte disorders affecting children. A useful Appendix and some multiple-choice questions are added attractions. This book should serve as a useful ‘Primer on Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders’ for physicians concerned with the management of sick children. Arvind
Bagga, Pediatrics and Medicine Made Easy for Undergraduates, Postgraduates and PG Entrance Examinations. Authors: Dr. A. Riyaz and Dr. Najeeba Riyaz, Olive Publications Pvt. Ltd. East Nadakkavu, Calicut, 11: p 372; Price Rs. 150/-. Pediatrics and General Medicine (Internal Medicine) in the recent years have developed into many subspecialities. Pediatrics as a subject is vast and has been recommended as a separate subject for undergraduates in the final year. The students need to pass the pediatric examination in order to get the MBBS degree. With this in view, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics has made available the IAP Text Book of Pediatrics for undergraduates and PGs in pediatrics. The Book Pediatrics and Medicine Made Easy for Undergraduates, Postgraduates and PG Entrance Examinations is in two sections. The first one deals with MCQs with detailed explantations. All important topics are covered. The second section contains miscellaneous topics like various cells (Langerhan cells, Touton cells, etc.), Spots (Bitot spots, Horder’s spots, etc.). fevers, signs (Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Infections, etc.), Triads, Incubation periods, and various tests (clinical and laboratory). In short it is a very handy reference to brush up the memory of the students before the examination. It also serves as a quick reference for information on incubation periods, pediatric dosage schedule, common laboratory tests and other important bits of information. This book provides all category of students (both undergraduates and postgraduates of pediatrics) sufficient information to improve their pre-existing knowledge and is helpful in examination oriented preparation. The monograph is handy, affordable with an attractive cover. The topics are listed system wise and the miscellaneous topic arrangement is particularly suited for the examination going student to pick out and remember the answers before an examination. It is recommendated as a reference for undergraduates, postgraduates and tosbe kept in the library of institutions. V.S.
Sankaranarayanan, |
