Endocrinology | Hospital Sant Joan de Déu

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The Endocrinology Department deals with the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with endocrine system disorders.

We have a team of specialists with extensive experience in hormonal, glandular and metabolic disorders. We conduct around 13,000 visits a year; 52 visits a day. The most common reasons for consultation are diabetes mellitus, short stature, sexual development disorders, goitre and obesity.

As an essential element, we focus on treating patients in the family setting.

Specialties

Type 1 diabetes

The Centre for Innovation in Childhood Diabetes (CIDI) is one of the first in Europe dedicated to tackling type 1 diabetes mellitus through a holistic, three-pronged approach: deepening scientific knowledge of childhood diabetes; improving patient care; raising awareness in society.

Treatment

The basic treatment for diabetes is insulin, but there are different types and dosing regimens. We assess which is the most appropriate for each patient.

It is not covered by public health

Education

Through two programmes – one for children and another for adolescents – we teach and support our patients and their families so that they can manage their diabetes.

It is not covered by public health

Type 1 diabetes guide

We have an online portal with advice and resources about type 1 diabetes in children and young people to help patients and their families maintain good control of their illness.

It is not covered by public health

Growth and puberty

We treat all types of disorders related to growth and pubertal development in children. We address these conditions by using a multidisciplinary approach, working with other departments at the Hospital.

Growth disorders

We are experts in growth hormone management and in treating children with a history of SGA (Small for Gestational Age) and IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction).

It is not covered by public health

Sexual development disorders

We use a multidisciplinary approach to precocious or early puberty and delayed puberty. We hold 1000 consultations per year to diagnose and treat gonadal disorders.

It is not covered by public health

Sexual differentiation disorders

We treat a range of disorders, including ambiguous genitalia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and overdeveloped clitoris. We collaborate with the Surgery and Psychiatry departments.

It is not covered by public health

Obesity

Each case of childhood obesity requires a suitable and personalised approach. Achieving a healthy weight not only restores the child's health, but also helps to prevent many diseases in adulthood, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

At SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital, we treat obesity by taking a multidisciplinary approach that includes the entire family. We rely on a team of endocrine physicians, dietitians/nutritionists, nurses, social workers, psychologists and sports specialists.

Diagnosis

Our first objective is to determine the origin of the disorder. We can then work out the best approach and treatment for obesity for each patient.

It is not covered by public health

Coaching to change your habits

Psychologists, dieticians and nutritionists use coaching strategies to help you lose weigh. This includes support groups, cookery workshops and personalised attention.

It is not covered by public health

PrevenGo Programme

A health motivator supports patients aged 6 to 14 to create their own strategy to change their habits, while they share their goals and results with other children.

It is not covered by public health

Morbid obesity

In collaboration with the Catalan Pentathlon Federation, we run a sports programme in which professional trainers motivate patients and track their achievements.

It is not covered by public health

Endocrine oncology

Our specialised paediatric endocrine cancer clinic is a leading national centre. We take a coordinated multidisciplinary approach together with the Oncology, Neurosurgery and Paediatric Surgery departments.

Neuroendocrinology

Suprasellar pituitary tumours (adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, hamartomas) indicate hormonal deficits that require long-term specialist treatment.

It is not covered by public health

Thyroid nodule

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodule and thyroid cancer in children and adolescents.

It is not covered by public health

Endocrine tumours

Diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), such as thyroid cancer and tumours of the ovaries, testicles and adrenal glands.

It is not covered by public health

Hereditary diseases that predispose to endocrine cancers

We work with the Genetics and Oncology departments in illnesses such as MEN2A, MEN2B, MEN1, paraganglioma, familial medullary thyroid cancer, neurofibromatosis, etc.

It is not covered by public health

Follow-up of childhood cancer survivors

Patients with childhood cancer have seen improved long-term survival. The follow-up and treatment of endocrine sequelae is important for their quality of life.

It is not covered by public health

Rare diseases

In the Endocrinology Department, we treat a large number of children and adolescents with rare diseases that affect the endocrine system. We often treat these patients in collaboration with other departments at the Hospital to approach the disease in a comprehensive manner. Our work on Prader–Willi Syndrome, which is caused by the absence of a region of chromosome 15, is significant and remarkable.