The 18th Special Volume of the noted international series, Recent Advances in Pediatrics, first launched in 1991 and now concurrently in the 17th Annual Volume (RAP 17: Hot Topics) and 19th Special Volume (RAP Special Vol 19: Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics), aims at covering key topical issues concerning pediatric neurology. The 34 state-of-the-art chapters covered by as many as 46 experts drawn from India and abroad attempt to review the depth and breadth of knowledge in the field of pediatrics with special reference to its applicability in the Indian subcontinent.

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 wish to record our indebtedness to our distinguished contributors for providing excellent state-of-the-art chapters in various aspects of adolescence. 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 not only providing us the benefit of their critical expertise but also for the promptness in responding to our requests for speedy action.14

Our daughter, Dr. Novy, and son, Er. Manu, voluntarily provided all sorts of assistance in taking the project to its logical conclusion.

Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd and their staff deserve our thanks for the skillful production qualities of the book.