Principles and Practice of Child Neurology in Infancy, Second Edition Edited by ColinKennedy. London: Mac Keith Press, 2020 £65.00 (Hardback), pp 552. ISBN: 9781911612001

Abstract

Over the past decade there have been many advances in neonatal and infant care, along with an increasing recognition of the importance of family-centered care and evidence-based treatments. It is therefore a pleasure to see the Second Edition of this highly successful practical guide from Mac Keith Press, which was originally published in 2012. This new edition is again edited by Professor Colin Kennedy who is now supported by five assistant editors, reflecting the international outlook and authorship of the book. This new edition discusses recent advances in the field with four new chapters, and expansion and revision of the pre-existing chapters. However, the ethos of the book remains the same – to provide a holistic overview of the guiding principles of diagnosis and management in the major neurological disorders of infancy (children up to 2y of age). As before, the book is divided into theoretical and practical sections. The first section, ‘Principles of Child Neurology in Infancy’, comprises 13 chapters, with new chapters on neurological examination beyond the neonatal period, and genetic testing, which describes the scope and limitations of modern testing. It has a useful discussion of the principles of teamwork and working with families in planning management and promoting development. It describes a range of clinical investigations, including electroencephalographs and a well-illustrated chapter on neuroimaging, and goes on to discuss the principles of treatment, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. The second section, ‘Clinical Practice of Child Neurology in Infancy’, examines major topics such as encephalitis, seizures, micro- and macrocephaly, and movement disorders (including cerebral palsy). There are also valuable new chapters on sleep disturbance and behavior, and inherited metabolic disorders. All the chapters begin with a useful page of take-home messages in which ‘key messages’, ‘common errors’, and ‘when to worry’ are highlighted. The book is illustrated throughout with line drawings, tables, and diagrams, and contains computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as well. There are extensive up-to-date references at the end of each chapter. The editor admits the challenge he faced in keeping this new edition portable while thoroughly updating it. Indeed, this new edition is nearly 200 pages longer than the first and is certainly more detailed and comprehensive. Unfortunately, there are still a few omissions in my view, with only a minimal discussion of electromyography and its role in neonatal and infant care. Nor is there any discussion of brachial plexus injuries. There is more of an emphasis on infant care versus neonatal care but this is not always explicit; for example there is quite detailed discussion of neonatal seizures and birth asphyxia, yet little mention of kernicterus and its management. But these are small points in what is a very broad and inclusive book. The clear and logical layout of Principles and Practice of Child Neurology in Infancy make it ideal for doctors in training and for paediatricians who want a better understanding of neurology in early life. Furthermore, this practical guide is linked to an accredited online learning course. This is a new and useful initiative from Mac Keith Press to help reinforce the knowledge imparted from the many expert contributors in this essential book.