Paediatric Endocrinology
What is Paediatric
Endocrinology?
Paediatric endocrinology is the speciality
which is concerned with the growth and
physical development of a child. Normal growth and development
occurs because of interactions between the endocrine glands, such
as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes, the
hormones they produce and the tissues in the body which respond to
their presence in the circulation. Most problems regarding possible
abnormal growth and development can be easily identified without
complex and painful investigations. If needed, investigations of
hormone levels and gland functions can now be performed with
accuracy using detailed measurement and scanning techniques.
Hormone deficiencies can usually be effectively and safely treated
and excess hormone production can usually be controlled. The
opinion of an experienced paediatric endocrinology specialist is of
great value in reassuring the concerned patient and parent or in
arranging the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the wide range of
possible disorders which characterise this broad paediatric
speciality.
Martin O Savage MA MD
FRCPCH
Professor of Paediatric Endocrinology