Birth defects are defined as abnormalities of structure, function, or body metabolism that are present at birth. These abnormalities lead to mental or physical disabilities which can be fatal. There are over 4,000 different known birth defects ranging from minor to serious, and although many of them can be treated or cured, they are the leading cause of death in the first year of life. This book presents leading research in this field from around the world.

Extreme Prematurity examines the controversial issues surrounding the clinical management of this group of neonates by the intervention of modern neonatal intensive care. The foregoing of life-sustaining treatment is of particular importance. The subject matter is very relevant because of the alarming increase in multiple and preterm births, due to the increase in women who are undergoing assisted reproductive procedures, and the large increase in premature labor. No recent book covers the subject in such comparable breadth. The first section of this very timely monograph covers the epidemiology and practices in different parts of the world; the second section covers bioethics considerations, including ethical theories, moral principles and quality of life issues; the third section covers national and international guidelines; the last section covers medical law aspects in the US and around the world.

In the present report, ICRP provides information on radiation doses to the infant due to intakes of radionuclides in maternal milk. As in Publication 88 (ICRP, 2001) on doses to the embryo and fetus following intakes of radionuclides by the mother, intakes by female members of the public and female workers are addressed. Acute and chronic intakes are considered at various times before and during pregnancy as well as during the period of breastfeeding. Dose coefficients per unit intake by the mother (Sv/Bq) are given for the selected radionuclides of the same 31 elements for which age-specific biokinetic models were given in Publications 56, 67, 69, and 71. For these elements, doses were calculated for the most radiologically significant natural or artificial radionuclides that might be released into the environment due to various human activities. Dose coefficients are also given in this report for radionuclides of an additional four elements: sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

This scale is the most comprehensive examination of newborn behaviour available and is used in both clinical and research settings around the world. It has been used to study the effects of intrauterine deprivation, maternal substance use, casesarian-section, undernutrition, preterm birth and other pre- and perinatal variables and has also been used in cross cultural studies. Its value as a reliable research instrument has been established for 20 years. The scale is being used increasingly by clinicians in their clinical practice as a way of sensitising parents to the capacities of their newborn infants and as a way of identifying concerns about the baby. With this in mind, this new edition of the scale manual is particularly designed to make it easier for clinicians to use the scale in this way. Guidelines for adaptations for use in clinical practice are clearly outlined. As with previous editions, the manual also provides background information on the scale and it presents information on the administration of each item and detailed criteria for scoring. Information on training is also included.

Placenta accreta comprises a spectrum of disorders where all or part of the placenta becomes attached to the muscular wall of the uterus, which can result in life-threatening hemorrhage at the time of delivery. Previous surgical procedures (including cesarean delivery) and placenta previa are important risk factors, and the incidence is dramatically increasing. This important practical guide to how clinicians should diagnose and manage placenta accreta will be an invaluable reference for all obstetricians and maternal-fetal specialists.

Quick, one-stop guide to neonatal resuscitation steps.

Recent developments in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cardiac and neonatal issues have advanced the care of the newborn. In order to achieve excellence in cardiac care, however, close interaction and collaboration of the pediatric cardiologists with neonatologists, pediatricians, general/family practitioners (who care for children), anesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons, pediatric cardiac intensivists, and other subspecialty pediatricians is mandatory. This book provides the reader with up-to-date, evidence-based information in three major areas of neonatology and prenatal and neonatal cardiology. First, it offers an overview of advances in the disciplines of neonatology, prenatal and neonatal cardiology, and neonatal cardiac surgery in making early diagnosis and offering treatment options. Secondly, it presents a multidisciplinary approach to managing infants with congenital heart defects. Finally, it provides evidence-based therapeutic approaches to successfully treat the fetus and the newborn with important neonatal issues and congenital cardiac lesions.This second volume specifically explores issues related to individual cardiac defects, cardiomyopathies, and hypertension and presents a summary and conclusions of both volumes.