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There has been a rapid expansion of knowledge in the field of paediatric calcium and bone disorders over the past twenty years. Advances have been made in the underlying genetic basis for many conditions in conjunction with progress in bone density and geometry imaging and the development of new treatment options. The 2nd revised edition of ‘Calcium and Bone Disorders in Children and Adolescents'presents up-to-date information on many aspects included in the 1st edition such as the physiology, pathology, diagnosis and management of numerous conditions including a chapter of case histories illustrating clinical aspects. New chapters on skeletal dysplasias, the genetics of osteoporosis, radiological imaging of bone and a practical approach to a child with recurrent fractures are included. Providing a comprehensive update, this book is a useful clinical resource for paediatricians and specialists in endocrinology, metabolic bone disease, nephrology, rheumatology, radiology, orthopaedics and clinical genetics who may be faced with a child with a calcium and/or bone disorder.

A Karger'Publishing Highlights 1890–2015'title A multitude of new developments, not only in the rapidly advancing field of molecular genetics and steroid metabolism but in all traditional areas of pediatric endocrinology, have influenced the diagnostic approach in children and adolescents with endocrine disorders, thus warranting this 4th, revised and extended edition of'Diagnostics of Endocrine Function in Children and Adolescents'. Several chapters have been revised completely and all have been thoroughly updated. In addition, new chapters dealing with the muscle-bone unit and bone metabolism have also been incorporated. The original format of the chapters, which are a combination of in-depth discussion of the diagnostic process, practical conclusions and expert advice based on extensive experience, was maintained. Easy-to-use tables and figures allow for quick reference. Flowcharts of possible diagnostic pathways lead to the most frequent diagnoses. Presenting a broad range of diagnostic approaches, test procedures, and normative data required for establishing diagnoses for a broad spectrum of endocrine disorders, this book is an indispensable reference tool not only for endocrinologists and pediatricians but also for professionals in other specialties seeking evidence-based, rapid diagnostic solutions as the basis of advice and therapy for their patients.

'IEG, Independent Evaluation Group, World Bank, IFC, MIGA'--Cover.

Over recent decades, innovative diagnostic technologies, new therapeutic approaches and steady progress in medical genetics have helped establish the field of bone disease as a stand-alone specialty. Summarizing current knowledge, the physiology of calcium, magnesium and phosphate metabolism, the technique of bone biopsy and uses and pitfalls of bone density scanning are discussed. The main part of this publication describes in detail the disorders associated with hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, rickets, phosphate metabolism, primary and secondary osteoporosis. The genetic nature of many of these conditions is highlighted and each condition is referred to by the number of its OMIM entry. The final chapter, which distinguishes this book from previous publications on the topic, comprises case reports illustrating some of the problems that are examined in previous chapters. This comprehensive account of disorders related to bone and mineral metabolism makes essential reading for pediatric endocrinologists as well as for clinicians who wish to gain a practical understanding of this important topic.

In many developing and emerging societies, the coexistence of malnutrition and obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent. Caused by a rapid change in terms of economic growth and increased availability of food, the main challenge of this nutrition transition is the balance between short-term benefits and long-term risks of increased metabolic diseases. The publication at hand starts with an epidemiological overview, including regional case studies from India, China and Africa. This is followed by an in-depth evaluation of the phenomenon, focussing on the origin and prevalence of malnutrition and its link to obesity, the possible mechanisms of metabolic injury, and the strategies for preventing the projected epidemic of non-communicable disease. Also stressed is the need for further research to determine which population segments should be targeted at what stages of their lifecycle in order to achieve optimal results. Written by an international panel of experts, this volume will be of particular value for pediatricians, perinatologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists, public health scientists and epidemiologists.

Medical textbooks are mainly oriented by body systems, disease or diagnosis, yet practicing physicians are confronted with patients'complaints in the form of symptoms, physical signs or laboratory abnormalities, from which they are expected to reach a diagnosis and proceed with treatment. This book is meant as a pragmatic text for use at the patient's bedside. It classifies common clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory abnormalities and issues of management as they present themselves in daily practice. Special emphasis is given to new knowledge that has accumulated on the molecular pathophysiology and molecular genetics of various kidney diseases in order to deepen and strengthen the practical approach to common problems in pediatric nephrology. Aimed at an audience of general and family practitioners, pediatricians and trainees who are not exposed on a day-to-day basis to pediatric nephrology problems, it provides a logical, concise and cost-effective approach from which they can profit and acquire medical reasoning.

Parenteral nutrition in general is required if nutritional needs cannot be met by oral or enteral feeding. In the paediatric patient, its initiation depends both on individual circumstances and the age and size of the infant or child. This compact reference work on parenteral nutrition in children is based on the ‘Guidelines for Paediatric Parenteral Nutrition'that have been developed jointly by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), in collaboration with the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR). These guidelines were based on systematic literature reviews as well as a formal consensus process of a multidisciplinary panel of professionals. However, as a result of the scarcity of good quality clinical trials in children, many of the recommendations were extrapolated from adult studies and based on expert opinion. A detailed analysis of the available data was performed, and for each statement, the level of evidence and grade of recommendation was assessed. This reference guide has been conceived as an aid for the treating physician to assist him in the decision process, thus being a valuable companion in clinical practice.

For 20 years, KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database) has provided an outstanding tool for monitoring the use, efficacy and safety of growth hormone (GH) treatment in children with short stature of varying origin. This volume offers a comprehensive update of the continuing experiences in KIGS and is based on data from more than 50 countries and more than 60,000 patients. International experts analyse in detail the basic auxological characteristics of patients and their response to GH treatment for a broad spectrum of growth disorders. These include idiopathic GH deficiency, organic GH deficiency due to a variety of causes such as congenital malformations and syndromes, genetic disorders or treatment for leukaemia or central nervous system tumours and short stature in children born small for gestational age, specific syndromes and systemic disorders. Each growth disorder is also covered by a review of relevant published data by international experts. KIGS has also established itself as a primary source of information about adverse events during long-term GH treatment in children. The recent analysis of KIGS data has revealed no new adverse drug reactions since the 10-year follow-up. Therefore, treatment with GH seems a low-risk intervention in children and adolescents with various growth disorders. The process of developing disease-specific growth response prediction models has been ongoing in KIGS for many years. The available models are accurate, precise and have a relatively high degree of predictive power, although further predictors of the growth response remain to be identified. The KIGS prediction models can be applied prospectively to new patients, enabling their GH therapy to be better tailored and monitored to achieve optimal growth, safety and cost outcomes. The future of KIGS within the era of evidence-based medicine will continue to depend upon the quality of the data reported. Therefore, the commitment of participating physicians will continue to be a decisive element. The ongoing recognition of the importance of valid safety and efficacy information in the practice of paediatric endocrinology is exemplified by this valuable international collaboration of clinicians and the pharmaceutical community.