ABSTRACT Vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of UVB portion of the light spectrum in sunlight. This form of vitamin D is cholecalciferol or vitamin D3. Vitamin D may also be part of the diet either in certain foods such as fatty fish or as supplements either ingested separately or […]
ABSTRACT The adrenal gland is essential for survival and its function is compartmentalized into specific zones. Disorders of the adrenal gland can be classified as those affecting the adrenal cortex or medulla. Pediatric adrenal disorders can have distinct presentations and etiologies in comparison to adults, such as adrenal insufficiency associated with genetic syndromes or […]
ABSTRACT Endocrine disorders and the administration of various hormones can alter lipid metabolism and plasma lipid levels, which may increase or decrease the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In many instances the literature is not consistent with various studies reporting different results. These differences may be due to a variety of factors such as […]
ABSTRACT The neurohypophysis is the structural foundation of a neuro-humoral system coordinating fluid balance and reproductive function through the action of two peptide hormones: vasopressin and oxytocin. Vasopressin is the principle endocrine regulator of renal water excretion, facilitating adaptive physiological responses to maintain plasma volume and plasma osmolality. Oxytocin is important in parturition and […]
ABSTRACT The pituitary and adrenal glands play an integral role in the endocrine and physiological changes of normal pregnancy. These changes are associated with alterations in the normal ranges of endocrine tests and in the appearance of the glands. It is important for the medical team to be aware of these altered normal ranges […]
ABSTRACT The 46,XY differences of sex development (46,XY DSD) can result either from decreased synthesis of testosterone and/or DHT or from impairment of androgen action. 46,XY DSD are characterized by micropenis, atypical or female external genitalia, caused by incomplete intrauterine masculinization with or without the presence of Müllerian structures. Male gonads are identified in […]
ABSTRACT Phosphorus is critical to many functions in human biology. Deprivation of phosphorus may manifest as disorders of the musculoskeletal system, reflecting its important role in energy metabolism and skeletal mineralization. Phosphorus excess can promote heterotopic mineralization and is associated with mortality, particularly in the setting of chronic kidney disease. Inorganic phosphorus, primarily occurring […]
ABSTRACT Growth is a fundamental process of childhood and growth disorders remain one of the commonest reasons for referral to a pediatric endocrinologist. Growth can be divided into four phases – fetal, infancy, childhood and the pubertal phase with different hormonal components influencing growth at each stage. The GH-IGF1 axis plays a major role […]
ABSTRACT Monogenic mutations leading to hypobetalipoproteinemia are rare. The monogenic causes of hypobetalipoproteinemia include familial hypobetalipoproteinemia, abetalipoproteinemia, chylomicron retention disease, loss of function mutations in PCSK9, and loss of function mutations in angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) (Familiar Combined Hypolipidemia). This chapter describes the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory findings, and the treatment of these […]
ABSTRACT Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is among the commonest urological abnormalities affecting the aging male. The cause of the increase in prostatic volume is multifactorial, but current research has implicated hormonal aberrations. Clinical assessment of the patient is integral to determining the optimal treatment strategy. Exclusion of prostatic cancer and complications of BPH are […]