Department of Pediatric Endocrinology - Pediatric Diagnostic Hospital M1 Munich

About the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology at Pediatric Diagnostic Hospital M1 Munich

The Department of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Pediatric Diagnostic Hospital M1 Munich offers all the possibilities of modern medicine in the diagnostics and treatment of hormone disorders and endocrine diseases, including the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children. The department's doctors also provide medical care to young patients with genetic syndromes that affect hormone levels in the body. Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome are the most common cases in clinical practice. The department's doctors have equipment for the full range of laboratory tests in the field of pediatric endocrinology. As for the treatment, hormone replacement therapy or other types of drug therapy are usually provided. Diabetes mellitus treatment involves the intake of oral hypoglycemic medications and insulin replacement therapy. The department's team of doctors dedicates enough time to individual counseling of young patients and their parents, and they always find the best solutions to normalize the child's endocrine system function. The department is headed by Dr. med. Linda Johnston-Rohrbasser.

The department's doctors have vast experience in providing medical care to children with growth disorders. Children with accelerated growth (tall stature) and growth retardation (short stature) receive medical attention at the medical facility. In both cases, there are often concomitant pathological changes in other organs and body systems. The optimal age for assessing the growth rate of a child is between 2 and 4 years. During a clinical examination, a doctor assesses the growth of a young patient and compares the child's body length with the generally accepted norms for this age. An indispensable diagnostic method for suspected short or tall stature is growth hormone testing. Additionally, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, a stool analysis, hormone tests, and X-ray scans are performed. If growth disorders are detected in a child, the attending physician develops an individually tailored hormone therapy regimen aimed at replenishing the growth hormone deficiency in the case of its shortage or suppressing excessive growth hormone production. The department's specialists use high-quality and reliable hormone therapy medicines that guarantee a good therapeutic result. In the case of short stature, the department's endocrinologists also give recommendations on a balanced diet that helps to enrich the body with vitamins and nutrients, which play an important role in the normal development of the child's body.

The specialists successfully treat various thyroid diseases in children. Hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormones) is one of the most common. If hypothyroidism is suspected, it is necessary to perform diagnostics and begin treatment as soon as possible. If the child does not receive therapy in a timely manner, there is a high risk of delayed physical and cognitive development, metabolic disorders, and delayed puberty. The basis of treatment is the use of hormones. The dosage of the drug is prescribed to each patient individually and, if necessary, can be adjusted during the therapeutic process. With timely hormone replacement therapy, the child grows and develops in accordance with the norms.

Particular attention is paid to the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. The disease occurs due to an absolute deficiency of the hormone insulin, which is responsible for the absorption of glucose. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a common disease in children and adolescents. Despite the progress of modern medicine, doctors have not yet determined the exact cause of its development. The treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus is aimed at compensating for the lack of insulin in the body by injecting it or implanting an insulin pump that imitates the work of the pancreas. In addition to insulin therapy, the child must follow the diet prescribed by the doctor. Moderate exercises also play an important role.

The department specializes in the diagnostics and treatment of the following hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders:

• Growth disorders
  • Short stature
  • Tall stature
• Disorders of sex development
  • Delayed puberty
  • Precocious puberty
• Hormone disorders caused by genetic syndromes: Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome
• Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus
• Thyroid diseases
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Thyroiditis
  • Nodular goiter
• Adrenal diseases
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism)
  • Congenital adrenal cortex dysfunction
• Other endocrine disorders

The department's diagnostic and therapeutic options include:

• Diagnostics
  • Blood tests 
  • Hormone tests
  • Ultrasound scans
• Treatment
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Insulin replacement therapy
  • Drug therapy
  • Diet therapy
• Other medical services