The result is only as good as the test you order

There are many new pediatric endocrinology textbooks, but Diagnostics of Endocrine Function in Children and Adolescents is one of the few dedicated to diagnostics. Ranke has collected prominent mostly European authors to contribute their knowledge and extensive experience on specific subjects. The book has value as a reference tool for pediatric endocrinologists in clinical practice, where the interpretation of diagnostic tests is crucial to the evaluation, counseling and treatment of patients. Throughout the text, discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of laboratory methods add perspective to the results obtained. The first chapter presents basic laboratory techniques (i.e. immunoassay), which are a foundation of endocrinology; figures are provided that illustrate clinical pathways and the imbedded tables highlight high-yield information, including reference data. Imaging techniques are also discussed, including a chapter on sonography and one on nuclear medicine. Diagnostic evaluations of endocrine topics include thyroid function, growth, prolactin, water–sodium regulation, vitamin D–parathyroid hormone interactions, hypoglycemia–B-cell function, gonadal function, adrenal function, and bone. The topics are reviewed with references to other sources for further detail (e.g. their pathophysiology).Changes from the second edition, published in 1996, include new chapters on developments in molecular genetic methods (e.g. microarray chip technology) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Although urine GCMS is presented in detail, it is a test that is used infrequently in routine clinical practice. The chapter by Blum and Schweizer addresses the use of IGF-I levels with regard to monitoring growth hormone therapy, an increasingly important area in pediatric endocrinology. However, discussion of commercially available genetic testing for short-stature homeobox (SHOX) gene and other genetic abnormalities was lacking.We appreciated the chapter dedicated to prematurity. However, other endocrine-related topics in the newborn that we would have liked to have seen addressed include: (i) newborn screening with 17-0H progesterone for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in premature babies; (ii) newborn screen for congenital hypothyroidism with a primary T4 assay; and (iii) timing of newborn nuclear medicine imaging of the thyroid in relation to initiation of therapy.The chapter on perturbations of the endocrine system with changes in body weight was important to include. However, the formulae given in indices of insulin sensitivity fail to include the necessary units that are required to use them. Inclusion of a discussion of neuroradiology (i.e. pituitary MRI in assessment of short stature) would have also been informative. The index is incomplete because it lacks references to certain topics (e.g. hypospadius, Laron Syndrome), preventing the reader from optimally accessing information and using the book as a reference tool. However, regardless of these minor shortcomings, Diagnostics of Endocrine Function in Children and Adolescents would be a valuable addition to any pediatric endocrinology library and we look forward to its next edition.