Growth Disorders

MARKET Growth and its disorders is the major area of interest and practice within the field of paediatric endocrinology, and is also a topic of considerable research activity. When the first edition of Growth Disorders appeared in 1998, it was the first comprehensive update to appear in 26 years, covering all aspects of the subject, as acknowledged in the published reviews. Unfortunately, however, publication of the book coincided with the latter stages of the sale of the Chapman and Hall medical list first to Wolters Kluwer and finally to Arnold in August 1998. Thus, it received absolutely none of the pre-publication promotion key to all our professional and reference publications and no exposure at relevant conferences and exhibitions world-wide. While we did our best to catch up once the books were with Arnold, this was never going to make up for the above, and sales have undoubtedly suffered considerably reaching a life total of only 485. Revenue was, however, boosted by a Chapter offprint sale, and Julian has already had interest in the new edition from the pharmaceutical industry. By producing a second edition we therefore have the opportunity to promote the book properly to an audience of both paediatricians and endocrinologists as the definitive reference in the field, and secure the success that the content deserves. DESCRIPTION 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. Key Features: * The only comprehensive reference available devoted to this important topic within the fields of both paediatrics and endocrinology * Gives a detailed description of the biological basis of linear growth, key to research in the field, but also important to inform the practising clinician * Provides detailed guidance on accurate growth assessment - fundamental in the early and correct diagnosis of abnormal growth * Considers all therapies currently available - from growth hormone administration to novel pharmacological therapies and surgical options * Reviews all paediatric disorders that may be associated with abnormal growth, including endocrine disease and chronic disorders such as diabetes, renal disease, recommending appropriate management strategies * Draws on the expertise of a highly-respected editorial team, with authors from around the world to achieve a truly international and multi-disciplinary approach Readership: Practising paediatricians, paediatric endocrinologists and endocrinologists