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 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.

Taking a global approach to the subject, this book offers, in a comprehensive, cohesive package, information that is reflective of the different realities of gastroenterological and nutritional problems in different parts of the world. Designed to provide clinical knowledge in a convenient format, the chapters highlight the most common clinical concerns seen on a daily basis by the practicing pediatric gastroenterologist. Covering issues relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of a full range of problematic conditions, including nutritional disorders, the book is an up-to-date, reliable clinical primer on the disorders and diseases that may affect the gastrointestinal tract in neonates and children.

This volume provides a comprehensive and up-to-date theoretical review and practical guide on pediatric gastrointestinal motility and functional disorders. The latest edition includes extensively revised and new chapters to reflect the rapidly growing field of pediatric neurogastroenterology. New topics covered include neurobiology of pain in children, functional oropharyngoesophageal assessment, dysautonomia, and psychotropic drugs. The text also features instructive illustrations, photographs, and tables. Written by world-renown experts in the field, Pediatric Neurogastroenterology: Gastrointestinal Motility and Functional Disorders in Children, Second Edition is a valuable resource for pediatric gastroenterologists, adult gastroenterologists, pediatricians, and all professionals involved in the treatment and management of children with such disorders.

This Open Access book presents practical approaches to managing patients affected by various rheumatological diseases, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the various clinical expressions and problems experienced by these patients. Discussing rheumatology from an organ systems perspective, it highlights the importance ofdetailed musculoskeletal examinations when treating patients affected by rheumatological diseases. The book first explores the latest diagnostic approaches and offers key tips for accurate musculoskeletal examinations before addressing the various treatment modalities, with a particular focus on the most common joints involved in rheumatoid arthritis: the wrists and the metacarpophalangeal joints (2nd and 3rd). Featuring easy-to-understand flow diagrams and explaining the common medical problems associated with rheumatic disease, such as shortness of breath and anemia, it is not only a valuable resource to rheumatologists, but will also appeal to medical students, junior residents, and primary healthcare physicians.

Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Second Edition provides an essential reference with an emphasis on the unique pediatric issues of IBD. Chapters focus on complications of IBD specific to children and adolescents. Treatment recommendations are based on the latest clinical research available. The textbook also presents sections dedicated to the aspects of participation in clinical research unique to children and adolescents and the complicated yet vital process of successfully transitioning a patient from a pediatric to adult specialist. Controversies in pediatric IBD care such as the off-label use of medications are also covered. The format incorporates multiple tables, graphs, and figures to improve readability and make for an efficient reference for clinicians to use. Thoroughly revised and updated from the first edition, the volumes includes new therapies that are currently being used or tested for treatment of IBD, important areas regarding incidence and prevalence, immunization and response to vaccine administration as well as advancements in our understanding of growth and development with particular to the use of growth hormone therapy. Other new areas covered include important topics of complementary and alternative medicine use in IBD, immunization, and liver disease in IBD. Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Second Edition is a valuable resource for pediatric gastroenterologists as well as adult gastroenterologists.