1/27/09

Syndromes: Rapid Recognition and Perioperative Implications

The authors of this book are: Professors Bruno Bissonnette, Igor Luginbuehl, Bruno Marcinick, Bernard Dalens. The book is entitled "Syndromes Rapid Recognition and Perioperative implications" and it is published by Mc Graw Hill Medical, "[ 1]

This is an exhaustive reference includes review of almost 2,000 medical syndromes. The editors indicated that: the cross reference of synonyms and the variations of international names cover nearly 4,500 entries. It intended for pediatricians, medical practitioners, genetics specialists, pediatric surgeons and anesthesiologists. A pediatric anesthesiologist meets at least one patient diagnosed with a medical syndrome. This book serves as quick desk reference to working practitioners who need direct fundamental correct information at glance.

The book is put in 852 pages. It has 180 photographs in black and white. The syndromes are arranged in alphabetical order from "A to Z" and describe each syndrome according to template of 14 items. The first item is: ( 1) At a Glance which gives a general clinical synopsis of the syndrome; the next items describe briefly (2) Synonyms . (3) History, (4) Incidence, and (5) Genetic Inheritance of the syndromes. The authors have kept these descriptions short and to the point. This is followed by a more extensive explanation of the (6) Pathophysiology, (7) Diagnosis, and (8) Clinical Aspects, which should enable an anesthesiologist to formulate an anesthetic plan. These sections are written appropriately focused on the various organ systems that perioperative clinicians might be interested in special issues such as airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems. There are more specific mentioned item relevant to anesthesia and pediatric and neonatal intensive care. (9) Precautions before Anesthesia recommends potential consults, radiographs, and laboratory tests to be considered before proceeding; (10) Anesthetic Considerations describes potential issues such as airway management, vascular access, and postoperative issues that might potentially be encountered; and (11) Pharmacological Implications stresses potential contraindications associated with the use of specific medications. The final item, (12) Other Conditions To Be Considered refers to potentially related medical conditions that could be considered as alternate diagnoses in order to use specific medications. And (13) Classification and (14) references when needed

The book has four editors and 32 contributors mainly from North America. It includes an extensive index of syndrome for quick allocation.

This wealth of topics is new addition to the intended health workers dealing with young little patients and exposes the reader to quick fundamental dependable referenced information.

Overall the book offers a sound basic overview of the syndromes it describes and make child care living with rare syndromes more safe.

In conclusion, it is recommended to health care provider's readers and their library. I hope to see this book produced as an encyclopedia on CD with multimedia and colorful pictures then we will get more and more involved in surfing this valuble intellectual production.