Just over six months ago, the Pediatric Mitochondrial Medicine Clinic opened in the Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital to serve patients with primary mitochondrial disorders. This group of disorders is associated to genetic anomalies within the genetic material of the mitochondria or within nuclear genes that impact the function of the mitochondria. These genetic changes can lead to a broad spectrum of issues for the patients including epilepsy, myopathies, developmental delay, hearing loss, sleep disorders, pain, muscle weakness and fatigue.
This new multidisciplinary clinic, a joint venture under the Neurology, Genetics and Palliative care and leadership of co-directors Drs. Lisa Emrick and Fernando Scaglia, provides counseling, management and treatment for its patients.
“By providing a multidisciplinary approach toward the care of our patients, this newly established Clinic allows for collaboration in clinical care, research, education, and integrated treatment encompassing new clinical trials for this complex patient population,” said Dr Scaglia. “Through this approach, these patients and their families can get a more comprehensive plan for managing their disorders and are kept informed on where the changes in research, therapeutic clinical trials and standard of care treatments are going in the future.”
On June 15 the clinic will celebrate its one-year anniversary! In its first six months, 20 patients have started their care in the clinic. As one of the few clinics specializing in mitochondrial disorders in this area, the Pediatric Mitochondrial Medicine Clinic team looks forward to welcoming and helping more patients and families who are seeking this this type of complex treatment.