In the light of this background, the 16th Special volume of the noted international series, Recent Advances in Pediatrics, first launched in 1991 and now concurrently in the 16th Annual and 17th special volumes (RAP 16 and RAP Special Vol 17: Adolescence, respectively), offers deliberations on key topical issues in the field of pediatric cardiology.

The 23 state-of-the-art chapters covered by as many as 31 experts drawn from India and abroad attempt to review the depth and breadth of knowledge in the field of pediatric cardiology with special reference to its applicability in the Indian subcontinent. The objective is to provide authentic knowledge and infomation for the general pediatricians in particular so that they become well equipped to provide good care to their cardiac subjects and take appropriate decisions for referral to the superspecialist in certain unavoidable situations.

Each and every chapter is remarkable by its excellence, providing a stimulating and, not infrequently, even provocative, matured and informed update. Understandably, such an approach is befitting when the goal is not only to inform but also to motivate discussion, interaction, research and innovation.

In keeping with the professed policy of the series, multidisciplinary approach with an eye on future continues to occupy pride of place in this volume too.

We appreciate the distinguished role of the eminent pediatric cardiologist, Dr Anita Saxena, Professor of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, as the Guest Editor as well as contributor of an excellent chapter for this special volume.

We wish to record our indebtedness to our distinguished contributors for providing excellent state-of-the-art chapters in various aspects of pediatric cardiology and related topics. They were also gracious enough to repose confidence in our editorship. Without their understanding and cooperation, this volume wouldn't have seen the light of the day.

Thanks are also due to the Advisory Editorial Board for providing inputs and advice in various editorial matters and peer reviewers for 12not only providing us the benefit of their critical expertise but also for the promptness in responding to our requests for speedy action.

Our daughter, Novy, a final year MBBS student, Government Medical College, Jammu, and son, Manu, an 8th semester student of Bachelor of Engineering, MBS College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu, voluntarily provided all sorts of assistance in taking the project to its logical conclusion.

M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi and their dedicated staff deserve our special gratitudes for the speedy work in completing this project and its skillful production qualities.

The subspecialty of pediatric cardiology has witnessed tremendous growth and expansion over the last six decades. Admittedly, it is not possible to cover details of each disease. The main thrust of this book is, therefore, to educate the practising pediatricians regarding the general issues of congenital and acquired heart diseases as relevant in our country and to introduce the advances made recently in this subspecialty.

In this book, congenital heart diseases have been covered in seven chapters, starting with the approach to a newborn with cyanosis to a common clinical scenario faced by the pediatrician. Some of the common congenital heart diseases like tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of great vessels and coarctation of aorta have been discussed in detail.

A large part of the book is dedicated to acquired cardiac disorders in children. The topics covered include myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, infective endocarditis, pericarditis, Takayasu's arteritis, thrombo-embolism, etc. Hypertension in children, a common but often unrecognized problem has also been well discussed in the Chapter on “Childhood Hypertension.” Similarly, another important topic very nicely covered is that of “Cardiac Arrhythmias.” Common rhythm disorders as seen in children are well discussed in details and their management outlined.

The book also deals with common cardiac emergencies like shock and congestive heart failure. There is a fine article covering current thoughts in management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Although recent advances have been outlined in each chapter, a separate chapter is devoted to the transcatheter treatment for closure of septal defects like atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, etc. This is a very exciting field for interventional cardiologist as well as the patient, as the defects are closed without resorting to surgery.

In summary, the Recent Advances in Pediatrics (Special Vol 16: Pediatric Cardiology) incorporates topics which have an immense educational value for a practising pediatrician. Hopefully, these discussions would provide a fund of information for better cardiac care of the “little patients” and the well-conceived and well-executed book shall prove a considerable value for the target readership.