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 MRCPCHexamination and beyond .
