Clinical Challenges in Transition to Adult Care for Young People With Endocrinopathies

The complexity of transition of pediatric patients to adult care is well recognized, with a multidisciplinary approach widely agreed to be essential. Despite extensive existing literature in this area, practical guidance as to the management of specific medical aspects and how to address these with patients and families is lacking, with little accessible literature to help guide practitioners. Many paediatric endocrine conditions have a genetic or epigenetic aetiology. Both presentation and evolution of their specific health issues may be unfamiliar to adult endocrinologists, few of whom have experience and expertise in both paediatric and adult domains. This paper aims to address these knowledge gaps and provide guidance for the transition of patients with childhood-onset endocrine disorders, delineates management strategies for both the paediatric and adult clinicians, and highlights areas that may be unfamiliar in adult practice.