Growth is one of the most important health markers during childhood, and auxological follow-up is a milestone of good clinical practice for pediatricians worldwide. Indeed, many acquired or congenital diseases might initially present only with poor weight and/or height gain. Conversely, some congenital disorders might present with non-specific signs and only affect growth in the peripubertal and pubertal stages, leading to short adult stature if not diagnosed and treated in time. Modern genetic techniques are a valuable resource for healthcare professionals diagnosing an ever-increasing number of rare conditions, with a science-based approach to managing a correct differential diagnosis crucial for saving both time and resources. Furthermore, the development of new medical treatments may allow an improvement in the quality of life and life expectancy of many patients, while possibly requiring education/training for caregivers. Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and SHOX-gene deficiency are three rare diseases affecting not only growth, but also many other important aspects of a child’s life, such as fertility, neuropsychomotor development, longevity, sociability and interaction with their peers and, last but not least, their families’ quality of life. Therapy with recombinant human growth hormone is effective in improving growth, bone health, muscle tone, and body weight composition in children affected by these complex disorders. Pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists and nurses are of primary importance in the multidisciplinary care of these children and in promoting continuing medical education and research.
This high-level Digital Learning Journey explores these three challenging growth disorders, paying particular attention to the importance of continuing care during the transition period from pediatric services to adult care. The role of telematic tools are essential to offer healthcare providers continuing medical education activities with practical implications for patients’ lives. In an era of serious world events affecting travel between nations, this collaboration between some of the world’s top experts in growth disorders provides content of the very highest standard directly to your computer.
