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The contributors to the fourth edition of the Handbook of Pediatric Medical Emergencies have restated basic principles and compiled recent advances used in the management of pediatric emergencies. Using an outline format, they have comprehensively listed the types of problems seen and suggested current management. This format unfortunately limits discussion about the pathogenesis of a problem or the controversies or dangers surrounding its therapy. The references are grouped by chapters near the end of the book and are adequate but not inclusive. The eighteen chapters can be divided into three major sections: (1) emergencies classified by organ systems; (2) special problems; and (3) poisons.
Nine chapters are devoted to emergencies arising in individual organ systems with common symptoms, signs, and treatment listed. Discussions of the frequency and importance of the signs and symptoms, and the indications, problems, and dangers of the therapy are too brief. For example, an epinephrine infusion