The February 2011 issue of the medical journal, Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, is solely devoted to articles on congenital hyperinsulinism. This issue of the journal is an excellent resource on the disorder and it is online and available to all. While the journal is intended for people with a medical background, there are a number of articles that will interest the lay reader. Some highlights from the issue include:
• The prevalence of international cooperation in the field. The authors are from all over the world. Their willingness to share information and work together is so beneficial to their patients. A number of the authors are members of CHI’s Scientific Advisory Group and/or have presented at CHI seminars and conferences.
• The preface includes an excellent historical overview of the disease and the tremendous advances that have taken place in recent years.
• The genetic defect for about 50% of HI cases can now be determined through genetic testing.
• Focal disease can be cured and the diagnostic tools to determine if the disease is focal have improved.
• Medical therapy has reduced the number of surgeries necessary for treating HI.
• Minimally invasive therapies have been proposed for both focal and diffuse disease.
• There is still a great need to learn about the genetic foundation for the other 50% of the cases.
• Take a look at this excellent resource! The link to the issue is http://www.sempedsurg.org/current.
