Syndromes: Rapid Recognition and Perioperative Implications
offers an A-to-Z encyclopedic presentation of more than 2000 syndromes.
Extensive cross-referencing of synonyms, variations, and international names
further expands coverage to nearly 4500 entries. Names of syndromes with
main entries in the book are linked. Most syndromes are presented with 14
subdivisions, consisting of:
At a glance:
Clinical information, with emphasis on the most important features.
Synonyms: A list of synonyms for each syndrome,
facilitating identification in different parts of the world.
History: First recognition or description of the
disease, with names, dates, and other pertinent information when available.
Incidence: An indication of the population most
affected, international distribution, and number of cases reported in the
literature to date is given. The prevalence of the disease is also mentioned
when known.
Classification: Medical
conditions with multiple subtypes. In most cases, a complete description of
all subtypes is presented within the text.
Genetic
inheritance: Current knowledge about the genetic basis of the syndrome,
the locus of the gene, and inheritance pattern.
Pathophysiology:
The underlying mechanisms potentially involved in the specific medical
condition are described.
Diagnosis:
Radiological and laboratory findings to help the user in the rapid
recognition of each medical condition. Differential diagnoses may also be
included.
Clinical aspects: A description
of the clinical characteristics with an emphasis on the most frequent
features and the main organ systems affected.
Precautions
before anesthesia: Recommendations on medical consultations,
preoperative radiographs, and functional and laboratory tests potentially
needed.
Anesthetic considerations: Specific
perioperative considerations, such as indications for premedication, airway
management, vascular access, postoperative ventilation, etc. Emphasis is on
the prevention of complications.
Pharmacological
implications: Information about pharmacological interactions and
potential contraindications associated with the use of specific medications.
Other conditions to be considered: A list (with
synonyms) of potentially related medical conditions that could, from their
clinical similarity with the main syndrome described, be considered as
alternate diagnoses.
References: Pertinent
references for further consultation.
Some
syndromes described in this book are either extremely rare or not congenital
in nature. However, we found it worthwhile to have them included in the text
since we considered the information either important or interesting, or
sometimes both.