This book covers the entire spectrum of thyroid diseases in childhood, focusing on the recent advances that have been achieved, from progress in basic science research through to novel or improved approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Introductory chapters discuss thyroid embryogenesis and the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development. The two contrasting forms of thyroid dysfunction, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, are then considered in depth, with particular attention to the molecular causes of congenital hypothyroidism. Among the other topics addressed are autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and pediatric neoplasms. The book concludes with an overview of promising therapeutic approaches, such as stem cell therapy. Each topic is treated by an eminent expert in the field, ensuring consistently high quality. Thyroid Diseases in Childhood will be an important source of information for endocrinologists, pediatricians, oncologists, and gynecologists, as well as other professionals interested in this topic.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of pediatric thyroid diseases and thus provides a useful tool for clinical problem solving. Opinion leaders in the field present reviews on all relevant diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Sixteen chapters cover topics ranging from fetal thyroidology, congenital hypothyroidism, central hypothyroidism, inherited defects of thyroid hormone action, cell transport and metabolism to iodine deficiency, autoimmune thyroid disease and thyroid tumors. Written by clinicians, the chapters provide in-depth information and current guidelines for clinical problems encountered in pediatric thyroidology. As a unique feature, a case seminar collection for each chapter presents typical patient histories providing key learning points and key references for clinical problem solving in family medicine, pediatric endocrinology and medical genetics. Providing a succinct update on clinical pediatric thyroidology, this book is an essential tool for pediatric and adult endocrinologists, as well as for general practitioners, pediatricians and medical geneticists.

This volume presents the latest global knowledge of thyroid disorders in infancy, childhood, and adolescence and represents experience and views from a panel of the world's most renowned authorities on thyroid pathophysiology and clinical entities in the pediatric population. Both basic science and clinical aspects of thyroid disease are covered. Thyroid function, from ontogenesis and anatomy of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis to thyroid and trace elements, is discussed. Topics include thyroid disease during pregnancy, iodine deficiency and excess, thyroid autoimmunity, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, thyroid related eye disease, and thyroid cancer. Authoritative and comprehensive, this book brings together the most current information available on the topic. It is an essential resource for pediatricians, endocrinologists, internists, neonatologists, family physicians, obstetricians and gynecologists looking for an insight into the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of thyroid disease in children and adolescents.

This open access book presents the history, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of levothyroxine, discussing its role in the thyroid pathophysiology of patients of various ages and during pregnancy. It also describes the influence of levothyroxine on heart, bone and in cancer. When it was first synthesized in 1949, levothyroxine represented a significant advance in the treatment of hypothyroidism, providing a safe and effective treatment option for millions of hypothyroid patients around the globe. This synthetic form of thyroxine is now one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. Levothyroxine was first introduced by Merck KGaA,Darmstadt, Germany, in 1972, and since then the company has remained actively engaged in research on this mainstay of hypothyroidism treatment. This book is intended for healthcare professionals.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders in Children: A Practical Handbook offers a focused and practical approach to diagnostic and therapeutic (both medical and surgical) interventions in management of thyroid and parathyroid diseases in children. It is divided into two sections: thyroid and parathyroid, with each section discussing the use of the laboratory testing and radiographic modalities in the study of these glands. This guides the reader to know the utility and limitations of the findings when approaching a child with these conditions. Written by international experts in the fields of pediatric endocrinology and endocrine surgery, it is ideal for trainees, practicing physicians and professionals who care for children with endocrine conditions. Key Features Discusses differences in recognition and management of thyroid and parathyroid disorders in children compared with adults, with both common and rare disorders described along with their medical and surgical treatment techniques. Aids the practicing physicians, endocrinologists, trainees, and fellows in understanding the complex concepts in a practical way. Fills the gap in the market for a much-needed book concentrated on endocrine neck diseases of childhood.

Responding to a renewed interest in the growing problem of iodine deficiency worldwide, Drs. Charles Oxnard and Peter Obendorf, along with experienced translator and anatomist John Dennison, take a fresh look at the classic text, Der endemische Kretinismus, published in 1936 by Springer. Translated here for the first time into English, this landmark text will be a welcome resource for researchers confronting the problem of iodine deficiency. Oxnard and Obendorf point out that there is very little detailed knowledge or numerical data on cretinism available in the English-speaking world. In addition, highly-renowned Professor Basil S. Hetzel, recently-retired World Health Organization Chairman of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, published in 2009 with Dr Chen Zu-pei on the resurgence of iodine deficiency in China. Indeed, throughout the entire developing world there may be as many as two billion people at risk to iodine deficiency; perhaps three quarters of a billion have goiter, and ten million may be cretins. Even in developed countries, iodine deficiency is re-emerging (as in New South Wales in 19% of children) with the result of significantly reduced numbers of gifted children (though this is not cretinism per se). Certain to be of significant interest to a wide range of researchers, health providers and professionals, including government health administrators, this English translation of Endemic Cretinism is a major contribution to the literature.