Neonatology Questions and Controversies: Neurology, 4th Edition

By: Jeffrey M. Perlman and Terrie Inder 

ISBN: 9780323880770 

Publication Date: October 16, 2023 

Reviewer: Jay P. Goldsmith, MD (Tulane University School of Medicine) 

Description 

This book is part of the seven-volume “Neonatology Questions and Controversies” series, with this text covering neonatal neurology issues. The co-editors and a who’s-who of contributors have tackled some of the thorniest issues in neonatal brain care. This text is a “must-have” for any provider who wants to be on the forefront of developments in neonatal neurology. The previous edition of this series was published in 2019. 

Purpose 

The purpose of the text is to provide neonatal caretakers with the most updated information on the pathophysiology and management of common and rare neonatal neurological disorders. The goal of any neonatal provider is to not only treat the ill neonate but to achieve the best neurological outcomes. Unfortunately, due to many factors including many years of delay in ascertaining what the outcomes will be, the best course of treatment is unknown or controversial in many conditions. This text tries to bring the reader current with the latest research and understanding of pathophysiology. These are truly worthy objectives and are well met by this text. 

Audience 

The book’s audience is all providers of neonatal care. Some chapters deal with basic neurologic issues such as the neurologic and neurobehavioral disorders exam and the controversies regarding common issues such as hypoglycemia. Other chapters explore more Level 4 NICU issues such as the management of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. For the topics covered, the text certainly meets the needs of the intended audience. 

Features 

The book is divided into 17 chapters, each written by internationally recognized experts in the field. Each chapter poses several questions or controversies in which there have been inconsistent outcomes from many years of research. Such topics include the diagnosis and management of seizures, the treatment and outcomes of hypoglycemia, cerebellar hemorrhage in the premature, and evaluation and treatment of post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilation. Questions dealt with in the post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus chapter include which measurements are abnormal, how to recognize increased intracranial pressure, and how to distinguish pressure hydrocephalus from ex-vacuo hydrocephalus. The figures are clear and easy to review and radiographs (mostly MRIs) are helpful. Areas not covered in this edition that might be suitable for the next edition are the effects of medications, the environment, and pain management. Each chapter concludes with important points and gaps in knowledge. 

Assessment 

This is a unique text that delves into the major controversies in neonatal brain care that providers deal with daily. It is not a comprehensive neurology text such as Volpe’s Neurology of the Newborn, 7th Edition, Volpe and Inder (Elsevier, 2024), of which Dr. Inder is also an editor, but it highlights many important issues that challenge providers and are the subjects of ongoing controversy and research. The references are recent, and this updated edition has added new chapters on neurologic evaluation, white matter injury, and cerebellar hemorrhage in the premature. This edition is very welcome and should be part of any neonatal provider’s library. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2024, Jay P. Goldsmith, MD (Tulane University School of Medicine), Doody’s Score: 99 – 5 Stars! 

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