The Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology (PSPME) teamed up with the Newborn Screening Continuity Clinics (NBSCCs) at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) and Bicol Medical Center (BMC) to spearhead this year’s Follow- up Clinic on September 11-12, 2024, in the cities of Legazpi and Naga.
The activity aimed to provide specialized consultations for newborn screening confirmed positive patients with endocrine disorders such as Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). This has become a part of the continuous treatment and management of patients with such conditions endorsed to the NBSCCs to check if the children grow and develop normally.
On September 11, 2024, specialists Dr. Lorna A. Abad and Dr. Susana P. Campos, with support from Dr. Marive A. Flores-Declaro and nurse Mary Joy M. Rebueno from the BRHMC NBSCC, assessed 26 patients, comprising 24 with CH and 2 with CAH, at the Healthy Lifestyle Complex, DOH Bicol CHD compound in Legazpi City. It was followed by an evaluation of 31 patients with CH and 3 with CAH the next day, aided by Dr. Michelle R. Semaña and nurse Honeychille R. Repane from the BMC NBSCC. Both activities ensured the provision of consultations, health education, necessary medications, and support for optimal growth.
The NBSCCs are ambulatory clinics based in a tertiary hospital that conduct comprehensive newborn screening and treatment. These clinics provide patients with access to long-term continuity care and treatment. The BRHMC and BMC serve as the primary clinics in the Bicol Region offering regular follow-up services. Additionally, two satellite clinics have been established in this region: Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) in Catanduanes and Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center (BRGHGMC) in Cabusao, Camarines Sur.
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC) and is coordinated by the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol Center for Health Development through the Family Health Cluster-Newborn Screening Program.
DOH-CHD Bicol
