Autoimmune Diseases In Pediatric Gastroenterology

This book is the proceedings of the Falk Symposium No. 127 on `Autoimmune Diseases in Paediatric Gastroenterology' (IV International Falk Symposium on Paediatric Gastroenterology), held in Basel, Switzerland, on November 8-9, 2001. The symposium focused on the role of the immune system, both the acquired and the innate systems, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adolescents. The innate system has an important fundamental role in host defence by initiating immune responses against potentially deleterious matter. However, a mutation within the innate system may elicit an immune response against the host: hence, an autoimmune response. Chronic autoimmune hepatitis occurs predominantly in young people, and especially in women. Immunological changes are conspicuous. Tissue antibodies are found in a large number of patients. This is a disease of disordered immunoregulation marked by a deficit in suppressor T cells causing the production of autoantibodies against specific hepatocyte surface antigen. Liver membrane protein is found in the sera of patients with autoimmune chronic acute hepatitis and with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The latter condition of progressive granulomatous destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts is, in many respects, analogous to the graft-versus-host syndrome where the immune system has become sensitized to foreign HLA-molecules. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is another condition of unknown origin. All parts of the biliary tree can be involved in a chronic, fibrosing, inflammatory process that results in obliteration of the biliary tree and ultimately in biliary cirrhosis. About half of the patients also suffer from ulcerative colitis and rarely from Crohn's disease. Circulating antibodies to some antigens are found in obstructed portal tracts, as well as increased concentrations of biliary immune complexes in patients with PBC. In all three previous Falk symposia on paediatric gastroenterology, attention was focused on the role of the innate immune system in the aetiology of IBD. It has become increasingly clear in recent years that the innate system has a much more important and fundamental role in host defence. The decision to initiate an immune response is one of the major roles of the innate system. Mutations within this system could transform it into becoming constitutively active, resulting in an inflammatory reaction and thus eliciting an autoimmune response. Following an introduction to the basic phenomena of autoimmunity, the proceedings discuss clinical aspects of autoimmune diseases. In particular, current knowledge and the state of the art about the diagnosis and treatment of the autoimmune diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are described by world-renowned experts. The book also contains the short presentations on selected topics, as well as abstracts of the mini-posters read by title, which were included in the symposium.

This new edition of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disease is dedicated to the maintenance of a comprehensive approach to the practice of Pediatric Gastroenterology. Considered to be the definitive reference work, this fourth edition has been extensively reviewed. As a result, the size and content of various sections have been modified and new ......

This textbook provides a comprehensive and state-of-the-art overview of the major issues specific to the field of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. The first part of the book, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, presents in a systematic way the overall scope of issues encountered by children (newborn to teenagers) suffering from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and/or presenting nutritional issues. These chapters are structured in logical sections to facilitate consultation and include major topics ranging from congenital disorders to gastrointestinal problems of the newborn, infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and approach to nutritional problems in the various pediatric ages. The second part of the book, Hepatology, is articulated in a series of chapters which present a comprehensive review of congenital and acquired disorders of the biliary tract and liver. This section also includes a critical analysis of available diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and future perspectives. Written by experts in the field, Textbook of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: A Comprehensive Guide to Practice constitutes a much needed, innovative resource combining updated, reliable and comprehensive information with agile consultation for a streamlined approach to the care of children with such disorders.

Pediatric gastrointestinal and liver biopsies comprise a significant portion of specimens examined by the pathology laboratory. The increasingly widespread use of endoscopic procedures in children, the improved sophistication of medical imagery, as well as expanding knowledge in genetic medicine have led to new advances and opportunities in pediatric hepatogastroenterology and pathology. Pathology of Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease will provide the pediatric pathologist, GI and general pathologist and pediatric gastroenterologist with the most current and complete reference on the pathology of pediatric GI and liver diseases. With an emphasis on clinical pathological correlation, and edited by a multi-disciplinary team of pathologists and a gastroenterologist, the book will provide in-depth discussions on topics frequently encountered and for which currrent information is not readily available. Comprised of 16 chapters following an anatomical outline, the text will cover both the GI and liver and will include discussions on: malabsorption and motolity disorders, immunodeficiencies, including HIV, development malformations, food allergies, cystic diseases of the liver, esophageal and pancreatic disorders. Heavily illustrated with over 450 illustrations, 200 of which in full color throughout, the book will include endoscopic and radiographic images to correlate with the pathologic principles under discussion.

Unlike adult gastroenterology, pediatric gastroenterology is characterized by developmental disorders; the approach to the same disease condition may therefore be widely different, and there is an increasing need from pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatricians for easy diagnostic tools. Algorithms provide a logical, concise and cost-effective approach to medical reasoning and help avoid excessive unnecessary procedures and testing. 'Practical Algorithms in Pediatric Gastroenterology' is a simple, bedside pragmatic text which classifies common clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory abnormalities and issues of management in the expanding field of pediatric gastroenterology as presented in daily practice. Written by leading experts in the field of pediatric gastroenterology and surrounding fields, this book is aimed at an audience of general and family practitioners, pediatricians and trainees who are not exposed on a day-to-day basis to pediatric gastroenterology problems.

Completely revised new edition of the premier reference on pediatric liver disease. Liver Disease in Children, 3rd Edition provides authoritative coverage of every aspect of liver disease affecting infants, children, and adolescents. The book offers an integrated approach to the science and clinical practice of pediatric hepatology and charts the substantial progress in understanding and treating these diseases. Chapters are written by international experts and address the unique pathophysiology, manifestations, and management of these disorders in the pediatric population. The third edition has been thoroughly updated and features new contributions on liver development, cholestatic and autoimmune disorders, fatty liver disease, and inborn errors of metabolism. With the continued evolution of pediatric hepatology as a discipline, this text remains an essential reference for all physicians involved in the care of children with liver disease.

Here's the revised and updated 2nd Edition of this comprehensive review. Incorporates recent gains in scientific information, diagnostic and therapeutic instruments, and pharmacology as they apply to pediatric gastroenterology. Thoroughly discusses basic science, providing a comprehensive review of basic gastrointestinal physiology, and includes a section on clinical signs and symptoms. Provides coverage of disease by organ system for easy access, and features current coverage of gastrointestinal procedures. This edition presents extensive coverage of liver disease in children.