Pediatric endocrinology deals with physical growth, sexual development, and endocrine gland disorders in children. Pediatric endocrinologists may specialize in various areas and complete extensive training. Lawson Wilkins is considered the pioneer of pediatric endocrinology. Professional organizations and non-profit organizations promote research and patient aid.
Pediatric endocrinology is a branch of medicine. It deals with the physical growth and sexual development of children and adolescents. These doctors also diagnose, manage and treat diabetes and other endocrine gland disorders in children ranging from infancy to adolescence. Some specific disorders and conditions that a pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose or treat include adrenal hypoplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS), Graves disease, glucocorticoid therapy, and Cushing’s syndrome, hypophosphatemic rickets, Laron syndrome McCune-Albright and Nelson syndrome.
Pediatric endocrinologists deal with type 1 diabetes. This disease makes up at least half of the cases that a general clinical practice will handle. Other more common problems that pediatric endocrinologists typically treat are growth disturbances, intersex disorders, hypoglycemia, problems with puberty, obesity, and thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal problems. Pediatric endocrinologists may also specialize in inborn errors of metabolism, adolescent gynecology, lipid metabolism, and bone metabolism.
Typically this type of endocrinologist completes four years of medical school, three years of medical residency, and three years or more of pediatric endocrinology training to practice. They can establish their practices in a variety of locations, including children’s hospitals, community hospitals, private offices, and university medical centers. If a child requires the services of an endocrinologist, their usual pediatrician will usually make a referral.
Lawson Wilkins, an American physician and professor of pediatrics, is considered the pioneer of pediatric endocrinology. From the late 1940s to the mid 1960s he established departments at Johns Hopkins Medical School and the Harriet Lane Home in Baltimore. Born to a general practitioner, Wilkins devoted his clinic to the issues of growth and genetics. His book Diagnosis and Treatment of Endocrine Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence has become a reference point for pediatric endocrinologists worldwide.
Pediatric endocrinologists in the United States may belong to the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society. Other international professional organizations include the Australasian Pediatric Endocrine Group, the British Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology. Nurses specializing in pediatric endocrinology may belong to the Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society.
Many non-profit organizations and other companies that promote endocrinology research and project funding, as well as patient aid. These include the Magic Foundation for Children’s Growth, the Human Growth Foundation, the Turner Syndrome Society and the Endocrine Society. Some endocrinology publications include Endocrine Today, Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, and International Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology.
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