Concise Pediatric and Adolescent Hepatology

by A. Dhawan (Editor)

Overview

Great progress in molecular biology, therapeutics, imaging as well as surgery have vastly improved the understanding and treatment of childhood liver disorders. In particular, surgical advancements in liver transplantation currently allow for a lower age or weight limit for recipients. Furthermore, the majority of children with liver disease or with liver transplantation today survive well into adulthood.In this book, world experts in the now established subspecialty of pediatric hepatology provide a comprehensive summary of the latest advances in pathophysiology, molecular diagnostics and treatment strategies. Day-to-day management of liver transplant recipients as well as psychosocial aspects and complications during the challenging transition phase to adulthood are discussed in detail.This up-to-date overview will be an invaluable tool for trainees in pediatric gastroenterology, a ready reference for busy clinicians and nurses or allied health professionals involved in the care of children with liver disease and after liver transplantation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783805598309
Publisher:	Karger, S. Inc.
Publication date:	01/01/2012
Sold by:	CIANDO
Format:	eBook
Pages:	274
File size:	3 MB

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Willem J de Villiers, MD, PhD, MHCM (University of Kentucky College of Medicine)
Description: This book in the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine series is an overview of the now established subspecialty of pediatric hepatology. It attempts to provide a comprehensive summary of the latest advances in pathophysiology, molecular diagnostics, and treatment strategies. There is an emphasis on the day-to-day management of liver transplant recipients as well as the psychosocial aspects and complications during these patients' difficult transition to adulthood.
Purpose: The purpose is to describe recent advances in the field and to highlight the establishment of the relatively new subspecialty in pediatric and adolescent hepatology. The surgical advances in liver transplantation and improved long-term survival warrant increased awareness in this area.
Audience: The book is aimed at trainees in pediatric gastroenterology and clinicians, nurses, or allied health professionals involved in the care of children with liver disease or liver transplant-related issues. This is a rapidly evolving field and the book will likely have a limited audience. The authorship is heavily dominated by U.K. physicians and, as such, may have less appeal to practitioners in North America.
Features: It describes the natural history of childhood liver diseases and highlights the modern technological advances in disease management in the areas of therapies, liver transplantation, and psychosocial issues such as adherence that significantly affect outcomes. A welcome feature is the focus on management issues peculiar to adolescents and young adults. The sections on Alagille syndrome and the now epidemic (in the U.S. at least) pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease problem are very illuminating. Shortcomings are the uneven quality of the chapters and paucity of illustrations, diagrams, and algorithms.
Assessment: The book provides a predominantly British perspective on pediatric and adolescent hepatology. Although it certainly focuses attention on this new subspecialty in pediatrics, it does not adequately differentiate itself from other well-established textbooks of pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology.

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