The aim of this book is to provide a practical guide to help junior doctors to manage the important acute paediatric problems they are likely to encounter. The emphasis has been placed on the diagnostic problems and management when the child first presents. The approach taken is largely pragmatic, in contrast with the more theoretical approach of undergraduate teaching. As many doctors in general paediatrics are also required to perform neonatal resuscitation, a chapter on this topic has been included, but no attempt has been made to cover the specialized field of neonatal intensive care. Several of the chapters have been published in a series of articles in Hospital Update. They have been thoroughly revised and many new chapters added. It would have been impossible for me to have written this book without the help and encouragement of my wife, Dr Ann Goldman. She has read the book at each stage of its gestation and made many constructive suggestions and improvements. I am also grateful to Dr Paul Hutchins who has helped me considerably. Dr Doug Jones has provided helpful advice on the anaesthetic aspects and practical procedures and contributed the section on the insertion of central venous catheters. Many other colleagues have read sections of the book and I should like to thank Drs Ruby Schwartz, Terry Stacey, Andy Whitelaw, Rodney Rivers, John Warner, Sue Rigden, Susan­ nah Hart, Mike Liberman and Bernard Valman.