It has been 10 years since an issue of the Pediatric Clinics of North America has been devoted to pediatric urology or nephrology. During this past decade, we have seen growth in our knowledge base and the emergence of novel treatment modalities. These modalities emphasize lower morbidity while maintaining quality of care and good outcomes. Diseases that affect the genitourinary tract collectively account for 15% to 20% of chief complaints in children who present to pediatricians. Despite this high frequency, only approximately one third of medical students have an opportunity to learn from a rotation on one of these services. Pediatricians also are frequently confronted with patients who suffer from chronic genitourinary conditions and are at risk for common childhood diseases. Knowledge about the underlying chronic disease can only enhance the well-being of these children.
The purpose of this issue of the Clinics is to fill this gap with state-of-the-art knowledge that reflects current practice. The authors of the articles are experts in their respective fields and have extensive clinical experience. They emphasize differential diagnosis, immediate treatment, timing of referral to specialists, and follow-up care and inform us of newer treatment modalities. The subjects of this issue are restricted to common conditions of the genitourinary tract. Many of these conditions are managed by nephrologists and urologists in tandem with a pediatrician. Although some individual articles may be written by a urologist or nephrologist, the editors have made an effort to combine the two when applicable and feasible. It is our hope that this issue will serve as a practical guide and reference to pediatricians in their practice.
Division of Pediatric Urology, Medical College and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Children's Corporate Center, PO Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1997, USA
Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Medical College and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Children's Corporate Center, PO Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1997, USA
FULL TEXT
It has been 10 years since an issue of the Pediatric Clinics of North America has been devoted to pediatric urology or nephrology. During this past decade, we have seen growth in our knowledge base and the emergence of novel treatment modalities. These modalities emphasize lower morbidity while maintaining quality of care and good outcomes. Diseases that affect the genitourinary tract collectively account for 15% to 20% of chief complaints in children who present to pediatricians. Despite this high frequency, only approximately one third of medical students have an opportunity to learn from a rotation on one of these services. Pediatricians also are frequently confronted with patients who suffer from chronic genitourinary conditions and are at risk for common childhood diseases. Knowledge about the underlying chronic disease can only enhance the well-being of these children.