Practical Paediatric Problems

Practical Paediatric Problems

Practical Paediatric Problems

This innovative text, modelled on the current RCPCH syllabus for paediatric training, provides all the information that the senior house officer and specialist registrar in paediatrics will need during training and when preparing for the MRCPCH examination. A series of chapters discussing general principles in paediatric medicine is followed by a section covering the problems associated with the major body systems. Each chapter within this latter section is divided into three elements: * Element A covers the background basic science to the particular problems being discussed in the chapter, including basic embryology and anatomy, biology and physiology. A description of the techniques involved in investigation where these will be critical to the diagnoses that follow is also included here. * Element B presents the core system problems for the chapter. Tables are provided to summarise the different causes, classifications and differential diagnoses, clinical features, key investigations, therapeutic options and outcomes. Concise supporting text provides more detailed information where appropriate. Selected short case histories are also included to highlight the key issues covered in the chapter. * Element C is a concise bibliography, incorporating a short series of key primary papers and review articles and suggestions for further reading. Subjects covered under general principles include developmental paediatrics, behavioural issues and learning difficulties, community paediatrics and clinical pharmacology. Clinical chapters include the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and all other body systems. Haematology, oncology, psychiatry, surgical problems and tropical paediatric medicine are also covered here. All chapters contain up-to-date and appropriate information written by practising paediatricians who are each acknowledged specialists in their own field. This textbook will fast become an indispensable guide to the specialty for all trainee paediatricians in preparation for the MRCPCH examination and beyond.

Practical Paediatric Problems in Primary Care

General practitioners (GPs) and other members of the Primary Health Care Team (PHCT) play a crucial role in the provision of health care for children. At least 25% of GP consultations are with children, and many of the problems encountered are specific to this population group. However, children do not represent a homogeneous population and several ages of childhood are recognised, each with its unique set of illnesses and problems: the neonate, infant, pre-school child, school age child and the adolescent. Furthermore, both the childhood population and their illnesses change with time; new illnesses such as HIV have appeared and others, not seen for many years (such as rickets, tuberculosis and congenital rubella syndrome) have returned. Thus a comprehensive knowledge of the varied aspects of child health is needed; recognition of the acutely ill child, developmental surveillance, immunisation, treatment of chronic illness, and psycho-social issues. GPs are also increasingly involved in influencing configuration and the commissioning of services at a local level. This textbook provides practical guidance for GPs, GP registrars, practice nurses and health visitors dealing with child health in the 21st century. It undertakes a focused, problem-orientated approach based on the more common childhood problems encountered by GPs. Each chapter includes the essential background theory, but the emphasis is on making the clinical approach relevant and sensitive to primary care. Solutions to clinical scenarios are provided, based upon current, best available evidence. Site and system specific chapters are combined with sections looking at wider issues such as ethics and law, multicultural issues, and immunisation.