Search

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.

Treatments for psoriasis often present a therapeutic challenge to physicians because, besides affecting the skin, psoriasis may be associated with various comorbidities (for instance, depression, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and, in severe psoriasis, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases). Written by renowned experts, this volume gives a comprehensive overview of psoriasis and its various comorbidities. It describes the treatment modalities for mild and moderate-to-severe psoriasis, including topical, phototherapeutic and conventional systemic treatments (e.g. acitretine, methotrexate and cyclosporine), as well as biological therapies (e.g. alefacept, etanercept, adalimumab and infliximab). The chapters on biological therapies focus on key safety issues. Further included are chapters on the management of childhood psoriasis and psoriasis in distinctive locations, such as the scalp, face, flexures, palm/soles and nails. Finally, future therapeutic modalities, with the focus on small molecules and potential biological therapies, are discussed. This publication will make significant reading to dermatologists and all physicians dealing with psoriasis, in particular general practitioners, psychiatrists, rheumatologists, cardiologists and diabetologists.

Osteoporosis is one of the most clinically relevant disabling chronic disease encountered in clinical practice. A common cause of osteoporosis is glucocorticoid excess, as glucocorticoids may increase bone resorption, inhibit bone formation, have indirect actions on bone by decreasing intestinal calcium absorption and induce hypercalciuria. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the effects of glucocorticoids on bone metabolism and structure and on the diagnosis and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. It aims at providing updated information on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this often dramatic complication of glucocorticoid excess. Being one of the few publications completely devoted to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis it will heighten the awareness of specialists who prescribe glucocorticoids of the clinical relevance of this treatment complication.'Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis'is addressed to clinical experts as well as to general practitioners who will both benefit from the comprehensive and integrative view of the management of patients exposed to glucocorticoids.