Book excerpt: Written by outstanding authorities from all over the world, this comprehensive new textbook on pediatric and neonatal ventilation puts the focus on the effective delivery of respiratory support to children, infants and newborns. In the early chapters, developmental issues concerning the respiratory system are considered, physiological and mechanical principles are introduced and airway management and conventional and alternative ventilation techniques are discussed. Thereafter, the rational use of mechanical ventilation in various pediatric and neonatal pathologies is explained, with the emphasis on a practical step-by-step approach. Respiratory monitoring and safety issues in ventilated patients are considered in detail, and many other topics of interest to the bedside clinician are covered, including the ethics of withdrawal of respiratory support and educational issues. Throughout, the text is complemented by numerous illustrations and key information is clearly summarized in tables and lists.