Recent Advances in Pediatrics (Special Volume 16: Pediatric Cardiology)

by Suraj Gupte

The 16th Special volume of the noted international series, Recent Advances in Pediatrics, first launched in 1991 and now concurrently in the 16th Annual and 17th special volumes (RAP 16 and RAP Special Vol 17: Adolescence, respectively) , offers deliberations on key topical issues in the field of pediatric cardiology. The 23 state-of-the-art chapters covered by as many as 31 experts drawn from India and abroad attempt to review the depth and breadth of knowledge in the field of pediatric cardiology with special reference to its applicability in the Indian subcontinent. The main thrust of this book is, to educate the practising pediatricians regarding the general issues of congenital and acquired heart diseases as relevant in our country and to introduce the advances made recently in this subspecialty. In this book, congenital heart diseases have been covered in seven chapters, starting with the approach to a newborn with cyanosis to a common clinical scenario faced by the pediatrician. Some of the common congenital heart diseases like tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great vessels and coarctation of aorta have been discussed in detail. A large part of the book is dedicated to acquired cardiac disorders in children. The topics covered include myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, infective endocarditis, pericarditis, Takayasu’s arteritis, thrombo-embolism, etc. Hypertension in children, a common but often unrecognized problem has also been well discussed in the chapter on Childhood hypertension. Similarly, another important topic very nicely covered is that of Cardiac arrhythmias. Common rhythm disorders as seen in children are well discussed in details and their management outlined. The book also deals with common cardiac emergencies like shock and congestive heart failure. There is a fine article covering current thoughts in management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Although recent advances have been outlined in each chapter, a separate chapter is devoted to the transcatheter treatment for closure of septal defects like atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, etc. This is a very exciting field for interventional cardiologist as well as the patient, as the defects are closed without resorting to surgery. The Recent Advances in Pediatrics (Special Vol 16: Pediatric Cardiology) incorporates topics which have an immense educational value for a practising pediatrician. Hopefully, these discussions would provide a fund of information for better cardiac care of the “little patients” and the well-conceived and well-executed book shall prove a considerable value for the target readership.

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