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This third edition of Epstein's Inborn Errors of Development provides essays on pathways of development and thoughtful reviews of dysmorphic syndromes for which the causative gene has been identified. The authors of the chapters on each disorder have provided in depth analyses of the role of the gene in the relevant developmental pathway and the mechanism by which mutations in the gene cause the developmental pathology.

A decade of innovative findings in the research of molecular biology of hearing and deafness is reflected in this volume. The genetic causes for many types of syndromic and non-syndromic deafness are identified and genotypic-phenotypic relationships are explored. Although the type and degree of deafness caused by mutations in different genes significantly overlap, relatively unique age-related audiometric profiles are also emerging. For example, the audioprofile of DFNA1 and DFNA6-14 is a low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss; with DFNA8-14 it is a mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, and with DFNA2, DFNA5 and DFNA20-26 it is a high-frequency progressive hearing loss. Recognizing such audioprofiles can facilitate well-guided decision-making in clinical practice and can direct genetic testing for deafness. With an accurate genetic diagnosis, prognostic information can be provided to patients and their families. In the future, gene-specific habilitation options may also become available. To keep up to date with new clinical standards of diagnosing genetic hearing impairment, this book is indispensable reading to otorhinolaryngologists and audiologists.

In recent years dramatic progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of pituitary diseases by a combination of experimental studies, molecular genetics and clinical research. This book presents an updated overview of normal and pathological hypothalamic-pituitary development. Several chapters include experimental data and describe brain and facial defects associated with various conditions of pituitary insufficiency. A major part is devoted to the still increasing number of molecular and genetic defects which are responsible for various clinical presentations of pituitary insufficiency: diseases due to genetic defects of growth hormone, TSH, gonadotropins and corticotropin secretion are extensively described. These diseases present as metabolic (diabetes insipidus and adrenal insufficiency), growth and reproductive (including puberty) disorders. A distinct chapter emphasizes the contribution of a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach including the most recent molecular and genetic tools. Finally in most chapters an effort was made to address phenotypic and genotypic presentations in affected patients including valuable information provided by magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary and brain. This book will help endocrinologists and pediatricians by providing unique models of genetic and developmental defects of the pituitary region which bear ultimate consequences on metabolic control, growth and reproduction.

How can genetics be useful to general otorhinolaryngologists and their patients? This book summarizes the most recent information on genetic diseases, including deafness and head-and-neck cancer, that is relevant to clinical practice, particularly with reference to accurate genetic counseling. The first part of the volume presents a basic and general review of genetics. Up-to-date information on deafness genes is given and the mouse model for hearing impairment is thoroughly described. The application of molecular analysis of head-and-neck carcinoma has been one of the fundamental breakthroughs in understanding the cell biology of the carcinoma. Two chapters are devoted to the discussion of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. This book is highly recommended since genetics, particularly molecular genetics, is still an unfamiliar subject to otorhinolaryngologists.Yet there is a constant need to be alert to the possibility of diagnosing hereditary disorders and to obtain genetic consultation for a complete evaluation. A comprehensive list of references is given for those who wish to find more detailed information.