Neonatology Questions and Controversies: Neonatal Hemodynamics, 4th Edition

By:  Martin Kluckow, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, CCPU; Patrick J. McNamara, MB, BCH, BAO, MSc, MRCP, MRCPCH, FASE

ISBN: 9780323880732

Publication Date: October 31, 2023

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

Description

This book covers neonatal cardiovascular physiology and hemodynamics as part of the seven-volume Neonatology Questions and Controversies series. The book summarizes current evidence, expert opinions, and emerging technology in the field of neonatal hemodynamics, focusing on commonly encountered conditions, such as patent ductus arteriosus and hypotension. The book has multiple features to enhance the informational content, including bulleted key points at the start of each chapter, frequent use of diagrams, images and tables, and relevant case scenarios. The companion eBook provides an easily navigable and portable option but does not have any additional content compared to the print version. This is the fourth edition, following publication of the previous edition in 2018.

Purpose

The purpose of this book is to facilitate the practice of evidence-based and individualized medicine in the neonatal intensive care unit. Clinicians may have challenges obtaining, interpreting, or applying current medical knowledge to their clinical practice. This series attempts to overcome that challenge by compiling high-quality, evidence-based, and clinically relevant content for the practicing neonatologist. The series, and this hemodynamics volume, are extremely useful for those involved in the care of neonates. With detailed reviews of physiology and a focus on the issues most likely encountered at the bedside, this book meets its objectives by filling the gap between the larger reference texts – which may be more comprehensive but less frequently updated – and medical literature – which is frequently updated but expansive, unfiltered and not always readily accessible. The availability of this text in print and eBook increases its accessibility and ease of access.

Audience

This book’s audience is students, trainees and practicing clinicians in the field of neonatal medicine. It is primarily designed to enhance knowledge and improve the care provided in the neonatal intensive care unit, although any clinician working with infants may find this text useful. This book addresses a number of current clinical controversies in neonatal cardiology and hemodynamics, reviewing the literature and compiling expert opinions to serve the needs of its audience by providing timely medical knowledge that is highly relevant to neonatal care. A number of authors contributed to this text, many recognized clinicians and researchers in the fields of pediatrics and neonatology.

Features

The neonatal hemodynamics volume of the Neonatology Questions and Controversies series includes a brief review of neonatal cardiac physiology and pharmacology, but the primary focus is the diagnosis and treatment of common clinical conditions encountered in the neonatal intensive care unit. The review of cardiac physiology and hemodynamics of the fetal to neonatal transition are comprehensive and well-written, but the most clinically relevant sections include the discussion on diagnosis and management of patent ductus arteriosus, neonatal shock, and pulmonary hypertension. These clinical conditions are commonly encountered in the neonatal intensive care unit, but management varies widely. The summary of available evidence is thorough and highly relevant to clinical practice. The summary of key points at the start of each chapter aids busy clinicians who may be searching for specific answers to questions. The case studies added at the ends of sections help to synthesize and apply the information from previous chapters. The lengthy section on the use of ultrasound and other advanced imaging techniques to assess hemodynamic status and cardiac function which may be less relevant to most neonatologists, as access to these newer technologies is likely limited.

Website Features

The print version and eBook are similar in content and structure. The book includes easy-to-follow directions to create an account and access the eBook inside the front cover. The online version contains a searchable menu, hyperlinks to referenced texts, bookmark and notes features, and the one-click zoom for tables and images.

Assessment

This book, on its own or as part of the Neonatology Questions and Controversies series, is a clinically relevant and useful addition to the library of students of neonatal medicine or practicing neonatologists. While the book cannot fully resolve some of the controversies surrounding diagnosis and treatment of neonatal conditions such as patent ductus arteriosus and neonatal hypotension, it does provide a comprehensive summary of the available evidence to aid clinicians in their decision-making. There are chapters in this book that may be more useful to those in the field of pediatric cardiology, such as the advanced imaging section. This series is unique in that it bridges the gap between more comprehensive reference texts and extremely specific journal articles, synthesizing current medical literature to provide comprehensive knowledge on selected topics. Active investigations are ongoing in the field of neonatal hemodynamics, so for a book such as this to remain clinically relevant, it must be updated frequently.

©Doody’s Review Service, 2024, Maradith L Skalak, MD (Tulane University School of Medicine), Doody’s Score: 97 – 5 Stars!

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