Management of Pediatric HIV - A Physician's Handbook- Vinay Kulkarni, Ritu Parchure, Gayatri Bhide and Sanjeevani Kulkarni

B Vishnu Bhat

 Neonatal division, Department of Pediatrics, JIPMER, Puducherry - 605 006, India

Correspondence Address:
B Vishnu Bhat
Neonatal division, Department of Pediatrics, JIPMER, Puducherry - 605 006
India

Publisher: Prayas Health Group, Pune, 1 ^st Edition, 2009

Pages: 336, Price: INR 250

This book on "Management of Pediatric HIV" has 32 chapters with 48 color photographs. It has nine annexures including definitions and diagnostic criteria, dosages of antituberculosis drugs, storage and dosages of antiviral drugs, growth curves, normogram to calculate body surface area based on height and weight. The book contains updated information on every aspect of childhood Human Immunodeficency Virus (HIV) infection starting from prevention, clinical features and treatment to follow-up. The language is simple and photographs are of good quality. Although the title says it is a physician′s hand book, the book will be useful to all those who care for children with HIV infection.

However, there is scope for improvement in the next edition. Since the whole book is on childhood HIV, repeating ′children with HIV′ in the headings of many chapters is unnecessary. The legends for illustration could have been more informative since the book is likely to be used by paramedical and non medical personnel. Some chapters have important points highlighted. It will be nice to have key messages at the end of each chapter. Some typographical errors need to be corrected.

I strongly recommend this a must-book for health workers, pediatricians, obstetricians, dermatologists and everyone dealing with HIV infection in children.