Endocrine Diseases in Children

The endocrine system is important to the proper development and growth of children. The primary organs within the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands or gonads and the pancreas. These produce hormones, chemicals that control different processes within the body, including growth, blood sugar regulation and proper sexual development. When any of these glands release too much or too little hormone, or at the wrong time, problems can occur.

Diabetes

• Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin, essential for controlling blood sugar levels. Untreated, diabetes can cause dangerous symptoms, including coronary heart disease, stroke, renal problems, nerve damage and blindness.

  Type I diabetes in children is usually caused by autoimmune disorders that attack cells within the pancreas that produce insulin. Symptoms can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger and weight loss. Children with type I diabetes need regular injections of insulin.

  In Type II diabetes, the body is unable to respond to insulin normally. Young people suffering from this disorder tend to be overweight. Some may be able to control this form of diabetes with diet or oral medications. However, many need regular insulin injections to treat the illness effectively.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism, also known as Graves' disease, occurs when the thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormone. In children, symptoms may include nervousness and tremors, sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure, weight loss, bulging eyes and an enlarged thyroid gland. This disease is linked to autoimmune disorders that trigger the thyroid to overproduce. Treatment consists of medications that can inhibit hormone production. In extreme cases, the thyroid gland may be removed through surgery or treated with radiation.

  In hypothyroidism, the thyroid produces insufficient amounts of hormone. Body functions may slow, leading to a diminished heart rate, weight gain, slowed growth, dry skin and delayed puberty. Medications can be given to increase thyroid hormone levels.

Adrenal Insufficiency

• Also known as Addison's disease, this disorder occurs when the adrenal cortex fails to produce sufficient amounts of corticosteroid hormones. In children, symptoms can include fatigue and weakness, nausea, dehydration, abdominal pain, and changes to the skin. Adrenal insufficiency is treated by replacing corticosteroids.

Cushing's Syndrome and Cushing's Disease

• This disorder is caused by excessive amounts of glucocorticoids and occurs most often when children are treated for autoimmune disorders with synthetic corticosteroids, such as prednisone. It can also be caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. When this occurs, it is called Cushing's disease. Symptoms generally present slowly. They can include high blood pressure, failure to grow, muscle weakness, obesity, acne and skin bruising. Treatment involves removal of the tumor or using medications to inhibit hormone production.

Growth Hormone Disorders

• The pituitary gland produces growth hormone that controls physical growth in children. In rare cases, a tumor may trigger the release of excessive amounts, resulting in a disorder where growth is uncontrolled, known as gigantism. Removal of the tumor will resolve the problem. Insufficient production of hormone can result in a child's growth being impaired. Supplemental hormone can be given to help children grow normally.

Precocious Puberty

• In rare instances, the pituitary gland may produce excessive amounts of gonadotropin. This stimulates the early production of sex hormones, causing secondary sex traits to occur prematurely. Medications that can prevent the production of gonadotropin are available.

Social Challenges

• Children with endocrine diseases can face serious social challenges. This may take the form of making frequent trips to the nurse for insulin injections. Other disorders may make a child appear unusual and stand out, dramatically. These differences can lead to unwanted curiosity from others and derision from peers which can sometimes result in bullying.

  The physical, emotional and psychological health of a child with an endocrine disorder should be carefully monitored along with the medical aspects of the illness. Parents, guardians, school administrators and teachers should be vigilant for any signs of adverse activity toward children with medical challenges of any kind.

  Education is often the best solution. Teaching others to better understand the child's medical situation can improve the relationship he has within his peer group, family and society as a whole.