Book Review

Indian Pediatrics 2002; 39:904

Book Review

The care of critically ill newborn babies necessitates the use of various equipments, many of which are unique to this field. It is mandatory that the medical personnel involved in the care of neonates be aware of the spectra of gadgets used in the neonatal unit. It is quite understandable that the requirement will vary according to the level of care that a particular center offers. In a developing country like ours where cost is a limiting factor in organizing or upgrading a neonatal unit, it is pertinent that one should choose the most cost effective and relevant piece of equipment that can be optimally used. The medical curriculum in our country falls short in providing adequate knowledge in the use of various gadgets, and while procuring these, the medical practitioners often rely on the inadequate information provided by the company representatives. In this context, the present endeavour by these renowned neonatologists in compiling this vital information is praiseworthy.

The authors have taken care in providing information on a wide range of essential equipments used in neonatal care and discussed their utility, availability and cost in a reasonably detailed manner. The various equipments have been classified appropriately according to their areas of usage. The advantages and disadvantages of majority of these are also listed appropriately. The tables in each chapter detailing Indian and foreign equipment and their respective costs will prove very useful to any pediatrician planning to organize a neonatal unit. The frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) incorporated in every chapter have been very comprehensively thought of and the answers are given in a simplified and concise way. The appendix with details of dealers in neonatal equipments is very useful. The price of the book has been kept at a very affordable level.

In an era of high tech modern neonatal care, many centers are offering cardio-respiratory support to the sickest and tiniest newborn, and one may frequently come across situations where echocardiography is essential. A small chapter highlighting neonatal echocardiography would have been appropriate. Similarly, some chapters like neonatal ventilators could have been dealt with in a more elaborate manner and included more details of newer modalities like high frequency ventilators.

This book is recommended to all the pediatric postgraduate trainees and medical personnel involved in neonatal care, especially those who are planning to organize a newborn care unit.