Protocols for Neonatal Care. Author: Ram Dhongade; Publisher: Sun Publications, Pune, 2005. Pages 120, Price Rs. 300.

This compact book appears to be a compilation of the information usually handed over to the neonatal residents as induction pack before they start working with neonates. Most of the neonatal conditions are covered effectively. The book incorporates important protocols and information which is a must for every resident working in the neonatal units of hospitals. Much of the information is presented in form of tables or flow charts which enhances the value of the book.

The small size of the book makes it a useful ready reference material. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches suggested by the author reflect his vast experience in dealing with neonates. Sections on neonatal jaundice, seizures, hypoglycemia, anemia and bleeding neonate are useful and cover almost all aspects of management. The future editions should include intrauterine growth curve for classification of neonates and a section on drug doses for neonates. The chapter on anemia of prematurity should be renamed as anemia in a neonate.

The flip side of the book lies in its poor presentation. There is a lack of consistency in font sizing, use of capital or bold letters, titling and subtitling and presentation of flow charts. Most of the pictures in the book just act as fillers or distracters and have little or no clinical value. The pictures are uncited and untitled. At many places, same pictures (e.g., page 23, 51 and cover page; page 43, 55 and back page; page 12 and 72) of babies in various postures have been used which do not depict any particular condition. Many such pictures are not even pleasant to act as fillers. For future editions, author should take professional help for formatting, copy-editing and proof reading. Figures should be properly cited and only relevant figures should be included.

Overall, the book is recommended as a ready reference material for residents working with neonates. However, it needs an overhauling in presentation before it can be made a successful commercial venture. Also, for 120 pages of this size and quality, the book is a little bit overpriced.

Dheeraj Shah,
Senior Lecturer, Department of Pediatrics,
University College of Medical Sciences and G.T.B .Hospital,
Dilshad Garden, Delhi 110 095, India.
E-mail: [email protected]