Endocrine Disorders in Pediatric Critical Care

This chapter focuses in pediatric endocrine disorders that can present acutely and warrant intensive care. Because most of the symptoms associated with endocrine diseases are nonspecific, a broad index of suspicion and knowledge of the details of hormonal regulation are essential for accurate diagnosis and timely management. The chapter includes important information on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and management of potentially life-threatening endocrine disorders, including diabetes insipidus, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, acute primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency, disorders of calcium homeostatis, thyroid storm, and diabetic ketoacidosis. For treatment of these disorders, the authors discuss the use of vasopressin (aqueous pitressin), desmopressin, hydrocortisone, calcitonin, bisphosphonates, methimazole, iodide therapy, and insulin.