|
The fourth edition of PediaTric Endocrinology is a comprehensive book in the field designed to meet the needs of the practicing
physician, yet it is written at a level suitable for the subspecialist. The 43 chapters of this book are completely updated and the
information contained provides state-of-the-art knowledge in all areas of the specialty. There have been multiple changes in the field
since 1985 when the first edition was published. The most important advances were incorporated into the previous editions and were
brought to the clinicians in didactic, practical chapters. Each contained comprehensive discussions addressing all clinical situations
encountered in the practice of this subspecialty. The fourth edition of Pedialric Endocrinology constitutes the culmination of the
experience and accomplishments reflected in previous editions. It is a mature, seasoned book that reflects the continuous growth and
accumulated wisdom of the 63 contributors. Their knowledge is eloquently transmitted in each chapter.
As in previous editions, the book is divided into seven parts, each dealing with a major area of childhood endocrinology: "Growth
and Growth Disorders," "Adrenal Disorders and Sexual Development Abnormalities," "Thyroid Disorders," "Disorders of Calcium
and Phosphorus Metabolism," "Hypoglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus" and "Miscellaneous Disorders." The final part includes an
updated chapter on dynamic tests used by pediatric endocrinologists, as well as one with a more complete collection of newer and
updated reference charts and tables utilized to assess patients with growth disorders and endocrine alterations. Additionally, there are
two new chapters of current interest; one on reimbursement issues with a coding supplement, and another on using the Web to obtain
information on genetic and hormone disorders. These should make it easier for the busy practitioner to care for children with pediatric
endocrine disorders. Also included are new conceptual chapters on major topics in the field not covered in previous editions, i.e.,
worrisome growth, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes, hyperlipoproteinemias, hypertension, and supplements to enhance athletic
performance.
Each of the 43 chapters of this book contains sufficient material to cover the topic in its entirety and impart new information to
enhance the knowledge of the practitioner and the subspecialist. It provides the reader with the most updated and pertinent information
to address questions asked in the care of patients with endocrine and endocrine-related disorders. From pathophysiology to treatment,
there is a succinct and clear description of the subject in each chapter. The book fully encompasses the daily problems seen in pediatric
endocrine practices.
The field of pediatric endocrinology has rapidly advanced and changed very significantly in many aspects, not only in medical
knowledge and the scientific basis of endocrinology. The practice of the specialty has also evolved and changed radically, together
with changes brought about by "managed health care." It has changed the way we care for our patients and the way we practice our
specialty, as well as many other aspects of our practice. Not all of these changes have been positive. One of the most significant
casualties has been the transmission of the knowledge accumulated by prominent academic pediatric endocrinologists. As the editor
of this book 1 experienced first-hand this sad state of affairs. Since the last edition was published in 1996, the support for teaching
endeavors in many institutions has virtually vanished, and the academic pediatric endocrinologist is now an endangered species. Many
of our colleagues have moved to other areas and away from clinical academic practices, and those who stayed work on a battlefront
and have no time to invest in teaching endeavors. Those who contributed to this book did so on their own time, often against the
implicit wishes and mandates of administration. The current constraints of the health care system have also taken a toll in academic
progrdms. It praises productivity in other areas, not in teaching, nor in writing and transmitting knowledge through a chapter in a
book. Even secretarial support was often not available to some contributors for this activity. |
