Paediatrics Satya Gupta, AP Dubey and Praveen Kumar Atlantic Publishes & Distributors (P) Ltd, Delhi. Pages:1078, Fourth edition; 2009 Price: Rs. 1125/-.

The fourth edition of this popular book by the very experienced author has been thoroughly updated and expanded. The addition of two new co-editors and many new contributors representing the experience from major medical centers of India, definitely adds value to the book. The book is unique in concept and approach, with chapters like changing priorities in pediatrics, pediatric gynecology, pediatric radiology, that are rarely seen in pediatric textbooks in India.

The book is in three volumes, which makes it handy and compact. However, absence of index in each volume hampers its utility. Contents in volume one are very detailed but ‘contents at a glance’ is missing from other volumes. Annexures are exhaustive with details of procedures, National programs, IMNCI, health indicators etc; almost everything an undergraduate or postgraduate may require to refer in a hurry. The production quality and editing are spot-on with good pictures. All-in-all an exhaustive book which would be helpful for the undergraduates and general practitioners, but the postgraduates also can’t give it a miss.

This book is concise but very informative to family practitioners on common pediatric problems, without overburdening them with unnecessary controversial literature. Authors have applied their minds in giving a practical and analytical approach. Presentation in question and answer format maintains the curiosity of the reader.

This book provides insight into the management of common diseases occurring in the children. However it does not contain a separate chapter on recognition of sick child and scenarios for early referral, after necessary emergency treatment. Even though these issues are covered to a significant extent in the individual chapters.

The authors should be congratulated for a very good effort to simplify Pediatrics for practioners. I personally feel that it is also a useful light reading for pediatric post graduates.

Tuberculosis Ira Shah Pediatrics on Call, Mumbai. Pages: 48 Price: Not mentioned.

This small booklet on tuberculosis is written with a purpose to help clinicians identify tuberculosis correctly, treat adequately and prevent occurrence of further drug resistance. The book provides salient clinical features of tuberculosis of various organ/ systems, briefly describes investigations, outlines treatment regimens and monitoring of patients on antituberculosis drugs. It also gives summary of treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis and treatment of HIV and TB co-infection. Text in each section is supported by illustrative cases. There are 4 tables and 14 illustrative cases. The first edition of the book may serve the purpose (with which it is written) to some extent in helping clinicians with managing childhood tuberculosis. It is expected that subsequent editions will be more evidence-based and will include updated information.

Handbook of Pediatric Drug Therapy and Immunization RK Suneja Elsevier, New Delhi. 2nd Edition, 2008. Pages: 483. Price: Not provided.

A very handy yet comprehensive compendium of current guidelines for the management of pediatric problems encountered in the OPD or emergency has been presented as a pocket companion for specialists, residents and other providers involved in the care of sick neonates and children. The book extensively draws upon the national as well as international consensus protocols and guidelines and appropriately puts them together under one cover as a ready reckoner.

It provides details about the relevant causative organisms of the various infectious illnesses, spectrum of commonly used antibiotics and their dosages as an aid to rational drug usage. It would have added to ease of usage had the related chapters on infections and antibiotics therapy been put together. The author has also covered the protocols and algorithms related to management of critically ill children. The section on immunization and vaccines is also well updated. The author’s vast experience in the field is reflected in his ability to appropriately identify critical areas of decision making in pediatric drug therapy. The book also provides information about precautions, needs and methods to modify drug therapy in special situations.

The production quality of the book is good with a nice, easy to carry size and easy to read font size. Few mistakes and inconsistencies have cropped in e.g. variation in dosage of antibiotics like amoxicillin, recommending cloxacillin in meningitis while it poorly crosses the meninges, or referring to non available drugs like Nafcillin or Cromoglycate. Likewise, the sections on treatment of asthma, tuberculosis and diabetes need revision. It is hoped that the future editions shall benefit from these suggestions.