Neonatology Questions and Controversies: Renal, Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders, 4th Edition 

Authors: John M. Lorenz, MD; Michel G. Baum, MD; Kathleen G. Brennan, MD; Richard A. Polin, MD 

ISBN: 9780323878777 

Publication Date: October 16, 2023 

Reviewer: Maradith L Skalak, MD (Tulane University School of Medicine) 

Description 

This book is part of a seven-volume series, and focuses specifically on renal physiology, fluid and electrolyte balance, and kidney disease in neonates. The online companion text is easily searchable, with hyper-linked chapters and subheadings, and a read-aloud feature. This is a fourth edition, updated from the previous edition published in 2018. 

Purpose 

The purpose of this book is to provide current and relevant information to clinicians, with an emphasis on challenges encountered in clinical practice related to renal physiology and kidney function. This text is one of a seven-volume series, which can be utilized individually to support clinical decision-making at the bedside. The book is a useful tool for neonatologists in practice and in training and meets its objectives to provide updated information to support the practice of medicine. The availability of an online text allows for increased ease of utilization, although there are few additional features beyond a digital reproduction of the text. 

Audience 

This book’s primary audience is those practicing in the field of neonatology including trainees, nurse practitioners, and neonatologists. It incorporates basic sciences and both past and current literature to provide a wide-scoping review of renal physiology, fetal development, and disorders of the kidney and urogenital tract. The book provides a comprehensive yet concise review of many relevant topics to the practitioner of neonatology, to support clinical decision-making at the bedside. The contributors include many respected physicians and researchers in the fields of neonatology, nephrology, and fetal medicine. 

Features 

This book covers the assessment of fetal and neonatal kidney development and function, with attention to laboratory testing and imaging which can be useful to the practitioner caring for neonates with abnormal kidney development or function. There are also comprehensive chapters covering both congenital and acquired conditions such as acute kidney injury, electrolyte derangements, and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Instead of dedicating the initial chapters solely to embryology and fetal kidney development, as many texts do, this book incorporates embryology and nephrogenesis as they pertain to the individual chapter topics. This allows for discussion of the salient points of nephrogenesis as they pertain to fetal and neonatal kidney function. While this may present some duplication of material, it also contributes to the ability of the clinician to utilize each chapter individually to support clinical care. 

Assessment 

This book serves as a valuable resource to clinicians caring for neonates, especially those born prematurely or with congenital urologic or renal anomalies. It includes embryology, fetal development, and renal development are included in a sufficient amount to support the relevant pathophysiology and support clinical care. Compared to other texts, this reference may not be as comprehensive but includes enough up-to-date information to be relevant and helpful at the bedside. Each chapter may be visited individually to increase understanding of renal physiology and pathophysiology and support the clinical management of neonates. This is a justified and necessary update to the prior edition released in 2018. Since then, the field of nephrology has made significant advancements with references to new clinical trials and approval of new dialysis devices specifically designed for use in the neonatal population. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2024, Maradith L Skalak, MD (Tulane University School of Medicine), Doody’s Score: 96 – 4 Stars! 

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