For medical professionals navigating the complexities of critical care, having reliable and accessible resources is paramount. Textbooks in this domain typically fall into two categories: exhaustive, multi-volume references for in-depth study, or concise pocket guides for rapid consultation. Current Critical Care Diagnosis & Treatment, while substantial at 945 pages, strikes a unique balance, making it an invaluable asset for students, residents, fellows, and seasoned practitioners alike who are preparing for board examinations or seeking to enhance their knowledge base. This Lange medical book is structured to facilitate both detailed study and quick decision-making, positioning itself as a key resource on any critical care bookshelf.
While acknowledging that Current Critical Care Diagnosis & Treatment does not delve into pediatric critical care, bedside technical procedures, nursing protocols, or administrative aspects, its comprehensive scope in other crucial areas more than compensates for these omissions. Notably, the book distinguishes itself by dedicating significant attention to often-overlooked yet increasingly vital subjects. Chapters exploring the philosophy of critical care, pharmacokinetics, anesthesia and analgesia in the critically ill, patient transport considerations, ethical dilemmas, psychiatric challenges in the ICU, and the specific needs of elderly critical care patients are particularly commendable. These specialized sections address areas where robust research data may be limited but clinical relevance is rapidly expanding, equipping readers to tackle the multifaceted challenges of modern critical care management.
The book’s structure is thoughtfully organized to enhance learning and practical application. It begins with foundational principles of critical care medicine, then progresses to address both surgical and medical critical care scenarios. Where clinically relevant, the book strategically juxtaposes related specialties, such as the adjacent chapters on neurologic diseases and neurosurgical critical care, fostering a holistic understanding. Furthermore, Current Critical Care Diagnosis & Treatment adopts both organ-specific and disease-specific approaches in subsequent sections, ensuring comprehensive coverage of various critical care conditions. A key strength of this Lange medical book lies in its abundant use of clear, informative tables. These tables effectively summarize clinical and laboratory findings, therapeutic algorithms, and dosing guidelines, serving as an excellent resource for quick reference and for building a deeper understanding of the underlying rationale. The ‘Essentials of Diagnosis’ sections at the start of each chapter are particularly beneficial for clinicians in training, providing immediate, actionable guidance in intensive care settings.
However, no resource is without its limitations. While largely comprehensive, Current Critical Care Diagnosis & Treatment exhibits a few omissions. Carbon monoxide intoxication is only indexed within the Burns chapter, and conditions such as high-altitude disorders and diving emergencies are not thoroughly addressed in the Environmental Injuries section. The discussion of iatrogenic problems also lacks explicit mention of gas embolism. From a European perspective, the absence of topics like inhaled prostacyclin, transpulmonary thermodilution, and pulse contour analysis within the cardiothoracic surgery, respiratory failure, and intensive care monitoring chapters is also notable.
In conclusion, Current Critical Care Diagnosis & Treatment stands out as more than just another critical care textbook. Its well-structured approach, emphasis on crucial yet often underemphasized topics, and abundance of practical clinical information make it a valuable resource for anyone involved in critical care medicine. Despite minor omissions, the book’s strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile and highly recommended read. Future editions that address the identified gaps would further solidify its position as an indispensable tool in the field.
