Fundamentals of Pediatrics.
K.E. Elizabeth.
Paras Publishing, Hyderabad. First edition, Revised reprint 2001,
Pages 521, Price Rs. 225.
Advances in the field of Pediatrics have witnessed
an explosion in both knowledge and technology that has resulted in
creation and development of super and sub specialities within the
subject. In this era, it is indeed commendable on the part of the
author to prepare a beginners’ text in Pediatrics single handedly
and that too, without compromising on content and quality.
The book, spread over twenty-three chapters,
vividly captures the intricacies of Pediatrics right from
history-taking to the complexities of systemic pediatrics including
the preventive, promotive, and curative aspects. Almost all important
topics have been covered in a concise and informative manner. A
separate chapter has been devoted to Community Pediatrics giving an
account of all the National Child Health Programs, rights of normal as
well as disabled children, indicators of child health, etc.
Though this reprint is dated 2001, yet the recent
guidelines on neonatal resuscitation have not been incorporated in the
text. The figures on infant mortality rates and other indicators of
child health also date back to 1996. It is hoped that the future
reprints shall be updated with latest information and vital
statistics. Strangely, there are no photographs or pictures! Number of
figures and flowcharts also need to be increased for better
under-standing. A little more careful proof reading will definitely
help remove the existing typographical and format erros.
The quality of production is good. The format is
reader friendly and the language is simple. The volume is
competitively priced and is just the right size. The book may serve a
useful purpose for an examination candidate but does not evaluate the
things critically. The intention of the author is however clear and
laudable, i.e., to provide a simple text in Pediatrics, keeping
in mind the undergraduate pediatrics syllabus. Perhaps that’s why
the manuscript has been appended with a section reproducing the 1997
undergraduate curri-culum of Pediatrics in India. Overall, this is a
signficant addition to the Indian literature on Pediatrics. The book
is recommended for undergraduate medical students aspiring to obtain
the basic knowledge in Pediatrics.
Piyush Gupta,
Reader in Pediatrics,
University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital,
Delhi 110 095, India
E-mail: [email protected]
