By: Diana W. Bianchi, MD; Fergal D. Malone, MD McGraw Hill, New York, 2010
This book is the single best resource for prenatal diagnosis that links abnormal ultrasonography findings to neonatal prognosis and care. This book is coauthored by a maternal fetal medicine specialist, pediatric/fetal surgeons, and a pediatrician/geneticist.
The focus of this book is the management of fetal conditions that have been identified by ultrasound. Discussed for each condition is the differential diagnosis, antenatal history, management of pregnancy, fetal intervention, treatment of the newborn, surgical treatment, long-term outcome, and the genetics and recurrence risk. This is the full spectrum that helps the maternal fetal medicine specialist counsel patients and their families with current information.
The table of contents is divided into 3 parts, each with corresponding chapters. Part 1 is an excellent resource for prenatal imaging, prenatal screening, and diagnostic procedures. The skill level/experience of the sonographer and anomaly detection rates are addressed, indicating that tertiary care centers are preferred for obstetric ultrasonography. Part 2 is specific to the management of fetal conditions that are diagnosed by sonography. The format is easy to follow and has many images of ultrasound and photographs of illustrating the condition, possible procedures, and postnatal manifestation of the diagnosis. These are very helpful for the physician in providing a clear visual for parents to grasp the level of severity for their specific diagnosis. Part 3 discusses the management of fetal chromosome abnormalities. Sonographic malformations associated with each disorder are clear in tables with corresponding sonographic images and karyotypes. The fetal and infant photographs are again a helpful tool for parents to see, helping them make important decisions on whether to continue the pregnancy or not.
The index is comprehensive and offers a quick route to access information. After a review of this book, it is clear that it should be in every obstetrician and pediatrician's office to facilitate in the care of these patients.