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Updated: May 11, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Endocrine disorders in the neonatal period
Karishma A Datye1, Andrew A Bremer
1Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, USA.
Insights
This review covers common endocrine disorders in newborns, including glucose, thyroid, and calcium imbalances, and disorders of sexual differentiation. It guides pediatricians and neonatologists in diagnosing and managing these critical infant conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Endocrine Disorders
Background:
- Many endocrine conditions are specific to the newborn and perinatal periods.
- Early identification and management are crucial for infant health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common endocrine conditions presenting in the perinatal period.
- To guide general pediatricians and neonatologists in managing these disorders.
- To highlight the importance of timely consultation with pediatric endocrinologists.
Main Methods:
- Review of common endocrine conditions in neonates.
- Focus on disorders of glucose, thyroid, calcium homeostasis, pituitary gland, and sexual differentiation.
- Educational objectives include enzyme roles in steroidogenesis and hypoglycemia evaluation.
Main Results:
- Common endocrine issues in newborns span glucose, thyroid, and calcium regulation.
- Disorders of sexual differentiation and pituitary gland function are also discussed.
- The article provides a guide for non-specialists.
Conclusions:
- General pediatricians and neonatologists can utilize this review for managing common neonatal endocrine disorders.
- Consultation with pediatric endocrinology specialists is recommended for complex cases.
- Understanding these conditions is vital for optimal infant care.
Abstract:
CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: 1.Review common endocrine conditions that often present in the newborn and perinatal period.2.Determine the enzymes involved in steroidogenesis.3.Discuss the diagnostic evaluation of hypoglycemia. Many endocrine conditions are unique to the perinatal period. In this article, we review many such conditions, including disorders of the pituitary gland, disorders of sexual differentiation, disorders of glucose homeostasis, disorders of the thyroid gland, and disorders of calcium homeostasis. Rather than serving as a comprehensive resource, the article is meant to serve as a guide for general pediatricians and neonatologists caring for infants with endocrine disorders. Moreover, because the field of pediatric endocrinology continues to evolve, consultation with a pediatric endocrinologist for any child with an endocrinopathy is recommended.
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