Pediatric Endocrinology

Pediatric Endocrinology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of hormone-related disorders in children and adolescents. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, and any imbalance can lead to a wide range of developmental and health issues. Pediatric endocrinologists are specially trained to address these unique hormonal challenges in young patients, ensuring they grow and develop optimally. 

Conditions Treated By The Department

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Treatment involves insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, and dietary management.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Often associated with obesity and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes in children requires lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and, in some cases, oral medications or insulin.
• Growth Disorders:

1. Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): Children with GHD may receive growth hormone replacement therapy to promote growth and development.
2. Constitutional Growth Delay: A condition where children have delayed physical development but eventually catch up in height without treatment.
3. Idiopathic Short Stature: Children with unexplained short stature may be evaluated for possible growth-promoting interventions.

• Thyroid Disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland that can affect growth, development, and metabolism. Treatment involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
2. Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland that can lead to rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and other symptoms. Treatment may include medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.

• Puberty Disorders:

1. Precocious Puberty: Early onset of puberty signs in children younger than 8 in girls and 9 in boys may require evaluation and treatment.
2. Delayed Puberty: A lack of expected puberty signs in adolescents may be due to underlying medical conditions that require management.

• Adrenal Disorders:

1. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): A group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, often requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
2. Cushing's Syndrome: An excess of cortisol hormone production, which may be caused by various factors and requires treatment of the underlying cause.

• Calcium and Bone Disorders:

1. Rickets: A condition characterized by weak or soft bones due to vitamin D deficiency or other causes, requiring supplementation and treatment.
2. Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by fragile bones, sometimes seen in adolescents with certain medical conditions.

• Pituitary Disorders: Disorders affecting the pituitary gland can lead to various hormonal imbalances and may require hormone replacement therapy.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common endocrine disorder in adolescent girls that can lead to irregular periods, acne, and insulin resistance. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, oral contraceptives, or insulin-sensitizing medications.
• Adiposity-Related Conditions: Pediatric Endocrinologists may address conditions related to obesity and metabolic health, such as metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN): A group of inherited disorders that can lead to the development of tumors in multiple endocrine glands, requiring specialized management and monitoring.
• Ambiguous Genitalia: Disorders of sexual development may require evaluation and surgical or hormonal interventions to ensure appropriate gender assignment.

Common Procedures

• Hormonal Blood Tests:

1. Thyroid Function Tests: Measuring levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to assess thyroid function.
2. Glucose Tolerance Test: Evaluating glucose metabolism, often used in the diagnosis of diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
3. Insulin Resistance Assessment: Measuring fasting insulin levels and glucose to assess insulin resistance, commonly seen in conditions like PCOS and metabolic syndrome.
4. Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulation Test: Assessing GH production in response to stimuli to diagnose growth hormone deficiency.
5. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Stimulation Test: Evaluating adrenal gland function by measuring cortisol levels before and after ACTH administration.
6. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Tests: Assessing puberty-related hormonal changes.

• Bone Age Assessment: Using X-rays of the hand and wrist to estimate a child's bone age compared to their chronological age, helps evaluate growth potential and diagnose growth disorders.
• Thyroid Ultrasound: Using ultrasound to assess the thyroid gland's size, structure, and the presence of nodules or abnormalities.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluating blood flow in the thyroid or other glands to detect vascular abnormalities or tumors.
• Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA): Measuring bone density to assess bone health and detect conditions like osteoporosis.
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Stimulation Test: Assessing the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in cases of delayed or precocious puberty.
• Bone Density Scans: Evaluating bone health and density, especially in children with chronic conditions affecting bone health.
• Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): A biopsy procedure to evaluate thyroid nodules for malignancy.
• Adrenal Vein Sampling: A specialized procedure to diagnose and locate the source of excess hormone production in the adrenal glands.
• Metabolic Rate Assessment: Measuring metabolic rate and energy expenditure, can be important for weight management.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Administering hormones such as thyroid hormones, insulin, or growth hormone to replace deficiencies.

Key Advantages

• Optimal Growth and Development: Treatment of hormonal disorders ensures that children grow and develop according to their genetic potential, achieving a healthy stature.
• Blood Sugar Control: Management of diabetes helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing complications and allowing children to lead active lives.
• Improved Quality of Life: Effective treatment of hormonal disorders alleviates symptoms, improves energy levels, and enhances overall well-being.
• Psychological Well-being: Addressing hormonal imbalances can improve mood, self-esteem, and overall mental health in young patients.
• Empowered Families: Through education and support, pediatric endocrinologists empower families to actively participate in their child's care and management of their condition.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.