Protocols for High-Risk Pregnancies » (5th Edition)

John T. Queenan, Georgetown University Medical Center, USA

Catherine Y. Spong, National Institute of Health, USA

Charles J. Lockwood, Yale University, USA

Pregnancies compromised by disease, trauma, substance abuse, and other factors are not uncommon. They clearly demand special attention from the obstetrician, obstetric nurse, primary care physician and others. Through three successful editions, Queenan has provided these audiences with a concise yet complete guide to managing pregnant patients and fetuses at risk.

For the fourth edition, Dr Queenan has proposed replacing up to a third of the 96 contributors to get some "new blood" into the book. He has invited more contributions from European authors in order to better cater to an international readership. The book will, however, retain the popular "protocols" theme, in which very brief chapters on the spectrum of HRP topics provide quick summaries of a problem and diagnostic and therapeutic steps to manage it. Every chapter will be revised carefully to reflect the latest thinking on the best approach to pregnant patients with risks like tuberculosis, STDs, bleeding, pre-eclampsia, etc. The many quick reference tables and charts will be updates as, of course, will the brief bibliographies accompanying each chapter.

This new edition will provide increased coverage of IUGR, Pre-eclampsia, teratology and genetics. New chapters will be introduced on doppler ultrasound, nuchal translucency and also on AIDS in pregnancy.

Furthermore the fourth edition will be evidence-based. The new editor, Catherine Spong, is a guru of evidence-based medicine and as well as her role as one of the editors of the American journal: Obstetrics and Gynaecology, controls the foetal medicine programme at the National Institute of Health in Washington.

Booknews

An updated edition providing quick reference for the obstetrician or midwife seeking guidance in the diagnosis and therapy through the various complications that may occur in high-risk pregnancy. Topics include pregnancy hazards, special procedures, maternal diseases, obstetrical problems, and labor and delivery. Problems are addressed by a clear, precise, and practical protocol. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)