Pediatric endocrinology; notes on some recent advances

Until recently, congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia has defied most medical and surgical therapeutic efforts. However, in properly selected patients, cortisone will suppress the abnormal cortical hormone production. This, in turn, will lead to previously inhibited maturation and developmental progress. Adrenocortical insufficiency calls for much diagnostic alertness, as early recognition and immediate treatment are of paramount importance. The available therapeutic means are beneficial, although their limitations and potential dangers should be heeded.Among newly developed diagnostic techniques, thyrograms promise to be helpful in the study of thyroid hyperplasia and neoplasia. Thyroid cancer, occurring infrequently in childhood, should at the earliest possible time be treated surgically and with postoperative radiation therapy.