The aim of this book is to provide a practical guide to help junior
doctors to manage the important acute paediatric problems they are
likely to encounter. The emphasis has been placed on the diagnostic
problems and management when the child first presents. The approach
taken is largely pragmatic, in contrast with the more theoretical
approach of undergraduate teaching. As many doctors in general
paediatrics are also required to perform neonatal resuscitation, a
chapter on this topic has been included, but no attempt has been made to
cover the specialized field of neonatal intensive care. Several of the
chapters have been published in a series of articles in Hospital Update.
They have been thoroughly revised and many new chapters added. It would
have been impossible for me to have written this book without the help
and encouragement of my wife, Dr Ann Goldman. She has read the book at
each stage of its gestation and made many constructive suggestions and
improvements. I am also grateful to Dr Paul Hutchins who has helped me
considerably. Dr Doug Jones has provided helpful advice on the
anaesthetic aspects and practical procedures and contributed the section
on the insertion of central venous catheters. Many other colleagues have
read sections of the book and I should like to thank Drs Ruby Schwartz,
Terry Stacey, Andy Whitelaw, Rodney Rivers, John Warner, Sue Rigden,
Susan- nah Hart, Mike Liberman and Bernard Valman.