Endocrine Clinical Service

Inpatient and Outpatient

The Pediatric Endocrine Service treats all endocrine problems of infancy, childhood and adolescence. These include growth disorders, Turner syndrome, ambiguous genitalia, delayed and precocious sexual development, goiters, congenital and acquired disorders of thyroid function, hypoglycemia, disorders of calcium metabolism, metabolic bone disease, adrenal disorders including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency, diabetes insipidus and anterior pituitary dysfunction. Faculty and fellows also provide consultative support to other clinical services at Riley Hospital for Children. Outpatient pediatric endocrine clinics are held at Riley Hospital for Children, Methodist Hospital, North Side, Riley Subspecialty Clinic at St. Francis, and the Fort Wayne and South Bend satellite clinics.

Endocrine Stimulation Testing Clinic

A comprehensive outpatient endocrine testing clinic provides for state-of-the-art evaluation of a broad range of endocrine conditions. Provocative serial tests done on an outpatient basis include growth hormone stimulation, TRH, dexamethasone suppression, GnRH, ACTH, low dose ACTH, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, water deprivation studies, GHRH, and mixed meal stimulation. This facility is supervised by the Section's faculty and is staffed by nurse specialists in Pediatric Endocrinology. These pediatric endocrine nurses provide pre-testing verbal and written education and psychosocial preparation for the procedure to the families of patients. Testing is performed in an area where there are appropriate diversional materials and a calm, quiet environment. The presence of parents and support objects is encouraged. Nursing education is also often completed in this setting.

Newborn Screening Program for Congenital Hypothyroidism and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

The Section of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology is the site of the Indiana Congenital Hypothyroidism and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Follow-up Programs. These programs represent a collaborative approach to newborn screening, with the goal of providing expedient and optimal care to every infant born in Indiana affected by these disorders. Pediatric endocrine fellows work closely with the program coordinator in the initial evaluation and treatment of infants with abnormal newborn screens. In addition, the programs provide ongoing consultative services for primary care physicians throughout the state. Educational activities for families and healthcare providers include parent brochures, written material, and formal lectures.

Obesity Clinic

This is a newly developed clinic which was created to help deal with the increasingly prevalent problem of obesity in children. The clinic will utilize a team approach including physicians, pediatric dietitians, exercise physiologists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. The evaluation includes assessment of insulin sensitivity in obese children and the effect of early intervention with a comprehensive weight management program.