Linear growth is a biological process of fundamental importance to the physical and psychological make-up of a child and adolescent but which can be subject to a number of interruptions and disorders. The management and treatment of patients with growth disorders constitues a major, and important, part of practice in clinical paediatrics, while in public health terms growth assessment remains one of the most useful indices of health and economic well being in both developed and the developing world. This book approaches growth and its disorders from both a physiological and pathophysiological standpoint. The book outlines in detail the fundamental biological mechanisms of normal and abnormal linear growth, how to assess growth accurately fundamental to the early detection of abnormality and, importantly, how to manage disorders leading to short and tall stature, and disorders of the timing of puberty. Throughout, emphasis is given on achieving a satisfactory outcome for the child and parent by keeping them fully informed as to what is possible from a particular treatment strategy. The result is a wide-ranging and balanced account of this challenging field drawing on the expertise of a team of international specialists from a variety of backgrounds.
CONTENTS: 1] Historical Background & Worldwide Perspectives
(Part 1: Physiology of linear growth
1 Cellular growth
2 Bone and cartilage growth and metabolism
3 Genetic control of growth
4 Rhythms of Linear Growth
5 Nutrition and Growth
6 Endocrinology of growth - central control
7 Endocrinology of growth - peripheral hormone action
8 Normal fetal growth
9 Postnatal, infantile and childhood Growth
10 Growth at adolescence
11 Mineral acquisition during growth
12 Growth standards
Part 2: Growth Assessment
1 Abnormal growth - definition, pathogenesis & practical investigation
2 Practical auxology and skeletal maturation
3 Endocrine assessment
4 Radiological assessment of the skeletal dysplasias
5 Psychological assessment
Part 3: Chronic Paediatric Disorders and Management of the Associated Growth Disturbance
1 Genetic and dysmorphic syndromes of short stature
2 Genetic and dysmorphic syndromes of tall stature
3 Skeletal dysplasias
4 Respiratory disorders
5 Gastrointestinal disorders
6 Renal disorders
7 Disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism
8 Diabetes
9 Haemoglobinopathies
10 Psychological disorders
11 Growth failure in tropical and developing countries
Part 4: Endocrine Causes of Abnormal Growth
1 Abnormalities of growth hormone secretion
2 Abnormalities of growth hormone action
3 Thyroid disorders
4 Adrenal disorders
5 Gonadal disorders
Part 5: Treatment of Growth Disorders
1 Growth hormone deficiency
2 Idiopathic short stature
3 Turner and Noonan syndromes
4 Prader-Willi syndrome
Obesity
5 Children treated for cancer
7 Precocious puberty
8 Delay of growth and puberty
9 Growth hormone resistance
10 Growth hormone releasing peptides/secretogogues
11 Aromatase inhibitors
12 Adverse and metabolic effects of GH therapy
13 Limb lengthening techniques
14 Medical management of tall stature
15 Surgical management of tall stature