Over the last quarter century or so, specialization within obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics has resulted in the development of the disciplines of maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology, respectively. A primary focus of maternal-fetal medicine has been to understand the mechanism(s) of premature delivery and develop treatment modalities for improving the length of gestation. A primary focus of neonatology has been to under stand the causes of respiratory distress in the neonate. Success has resulted, not only in the lengthening of gestation, but an improved understanding of the causes and treatment of neonatal respiratory disease. With increasing success has come the necessity to under stand the metabolic principles of the parturient, the fetal/placenta unit, and the neonate. These principles are clearly very important from multiple aspects. Increased understand ing of metabolism of the pregnant woman would explain the aberrations occurring in normal and abnormal pregnancy and improve nutritional support for the parturient. A prime example of altered metabolism is the parturient with diabetes. Understanding metabolism ofthe fetal/placenta unit is necessary to increase the probability that the fetus will be born appropriate for size irrespective of the gestational age. The various compo nents of neonatal metabolism are important, not only for understanding the changes in physiology and biochemistry occurring in the developing neonate, but the principles by which nutritional support should be provided.

Neonatal nutrition has a pivotal role in normal child development and is of even greater importance in the sick or premature neonate. This 2006 edition includes a comprehensive account of the basic science, metabolism and nutritional requirements of the neonate, and a greatly expanded number of chapters dealing in depth with clinical issues ranging from IUGR, intravenous feeding, nutritional therapies for inborn errors of metabolism, and care of the neonatal surgical patient. Evolving from these scientific and clinical aspects, the volume highlights the important long-term effects of fetal and neonatal growth on health in later life. In addition, there are very practical chapters on methods and techniques for assessing nutritional status, body composition, and evaluating metabolic function.

Neonatology is one of the areas of greatest development and evolution within pediatrics. The technoscientific advances in this area have led to an increase in the survival of premature infants who sometimes require sophisticated care. However, there is essential care that must be included in all centers that care for high-risk babies. This book includes important topics related to neonatal care grouped into four sections. In 14 chapters that address relevant issues about neonatal care, the book seeks to contribute to the clinical work of the health teams of neonatal units. Specialists in the field of neonatology from different countries have developed these chapters and through them they hope to share part of their experience.

Master the effective evaluation, analysis and management of placental-fetal growth restriction (PFGR), reducing the risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity in patients worldwide. Extensively researched by international experts, this manual provides practitioners with a detailed, hands-on approach to the practical 'pearls' for direct patient management. This authoritative volume advises on matters such as the correct evaluation and management of high-risk patients in danger of PFGR through to delivery. Extensive and wide-ranging, this book is an invaluable companion to the developing research interest and clinical applications in PFGR, including developmental outcomes in early childhood. Featuring a critical evaluation of a variety of abnormal conditions, such as fetal hypoxia, which are clearly displayed through extensive illustrations. This essential toolkit ensures that practitioners of all levels can effectively limit the risk of mortality and morbidity, and reach the correct diagnosis, first-time.