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The Clinical Genetics team conducts initial and follow-up outpatient consultations at Miami Children's Hospital. Inpatient consultations are performed by the clinical geneticist on call at all times. Genetics services are provided in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties with a satellite clinic at the Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center in Weston. Prenatal patients are also seen as necessary for potential fetal genetic anomalies identified through ultrasound, prenatal testing, or family history.
To evaluate, manage, and treat our patients with specific needs, Clinical Genetics has several specialty clinics including:
Neurofibromatosis Center - This center evaluates and manages children with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of neurofibromatosis, a condition that presents with multiple birthmarks and tumors at a later age. These families are given the most recent information regarding testing, treatment, and research efforts and receive diagnostic and counseling services.
Craniofacial Center - A multidisciplinary team of health professionals evaluates and manages children with craniofacial anomalies through this state-designated Craniofacial Center. The geneticists perform diagnostic evaluations and offer patients the most recent diagnostic testing and genetic counseling in these areas.
Division of Genetics and Metabolism
Children with Neurogenetic/Metabolic disorders, such as Phenylketonuria(PKU ), Maple Syrup Urine Disease(MSUD), Urea Cycle defects, seizure disorders and progressive neurodegenerative disorders are now treated through MCH-Brain Institute's newly established multidisciplinary Neurogenetics/Metabolic Program. The Metabolic team comprises of a neurogeneticist, neurologist, neuro-radiologist, neuro-ophthalmologist, and metabolic nutritionist. Through a team approach, the Neurometabolic Program provides comprehensive services that enhance the delivery of tertiary care to these children and their families. Inpatient care includes extensive diagnostic capability backed up by treatment modalities tailored to the child's needs that are not available elsewhere in South Florida. During the clinics, held twice monthly, the patient and family meets with the team to ensure that the child's collective care needs are being met thus eliminating the need for multiple appointments with various specialists.
The team is also working towards educating physicians and allied health professionals in the tricounty area to better recognize early signs of metabolic disorders, thus enabling them to access the expertise available through MCH-Brain Institute. With early detection, children and families can be spared most of the severe complications and morbidity associated with these disorders.
For Metabolic emergencies or consults please contact: 305-669-5832.
Dysmorphology - Children with unusual physical characteristics, such as unusual facial features, body asymmetry, and skin anomalies, are evaluated through detailed physical examination and subsequent genetic testing for diagnosis of genetic conditions. Extensive genetic counseling is provided as genetic diagnoses are made.
Genetic Counseling - Patients with a variety of genetic conditions are seen by a board-certified genetic counselor and clinical geneticist for counseling. This involves gathering detailed information regarding medical and family history, assessing risk for offspring and family members, discussing the origin and natural history of the issue, and describing genetic testing options. Indications for referral include family history of a genetic condition, previous pregnancy with an abnormality/genetic condition, recurrent pregnancy loss, teratogen exposure, increased risk for genetic condition based on ethnicity, advanced maternal age, abnormal prenatal testing (screening or diagnostic), and ultrasound anomalies. Diagnostic Laboratory Services
Clinical Genetics uses state of the art genetic testing to provide diagnostic information to families and develop the most effective treatment program. MCH has an onsite, state-of-the-art cytogenetics laboratory with a staff experienced in using specialized diagnostic tools, such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and various specialized staining techniques to provide accurate interpretative results. Dr. Jayakar, a board-certified cytogenetist, assists with questions regarding results and clinical implications of abnormal findings. Our staff is highly qualified and licensed by the State of Florida. Chromosome results in the newborn period are provided within 4-7 working days. The laboratory accepts blood and bone marrow specimens for analysis.
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