The Manual of Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care, released recently is a composite compendium of essentials of pediatric cardiac care in intensive units. The sole author Dr Manoj Luthra has elegantly compiled the various aspects of peri-operative management for children undergoing cardiac surgery. A large number of books and articles are available in the literature on cardiac intensive care of pediatric cardiac patients, however many of the strategies described may not be fully applicable in Indian setting as the post operative issues may be different and the resources are limited. This book is a practical guide for physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists and intensivists working in the intensive care units.

The text is organized in a very straight forward manner. Starting with the basics of hemodynamic monitoring, author has gone on to discuss the various scenarios often encountered in intensive care settings such as low cardiac output, congestive heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, cyanotic spell, respiratory distress syndrome and so on. The manual also acts as a reference guide for pediatric doses of common drugs which are not easy to remember. The chapters have included clear diagrams and tables where necessary. Author has selected topics of great relevance to pediatric cardiac care. For example, chapter 11 deals with fluid and electrolytes, a very important aspect of perioperative care of children especially newborns and infants. Similarly chapter 12 deals extensively with analysis of arterial blood gases and discuss all possible case scenarios. Most chapters are short, crisp, providing relevant information and solutions to common problems. The quotations at the beginning of each chapter are interesting and thought provoking.

This book serves as a potent resource to the subject matter that author has chosen to write. The important references have been included for the reader to explore further, making this book a valuable resource to anyone who may be interested in this subject.