by Rhobelle Estores, RN, Angelica Angliongto, RN, Perly Bermudez, RMT
To provide comprehensive care and management to newborn screening (NBS) patients under various medical specialties, the Department of Health – Davao Center for Health Development Regional Office XI, in collaboration with the Southern Philippines Medical Center – Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic (SPMC-NBSCC), Newborn Screening Center Mindanao (NSCM), and Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), conducted the fourth Newborn Screening Multidisciplinary Clinic Consultation on May 27, 2025, at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City.
A total of 48 patients diagnosed with various disorders in the newborn screening panel and rare diseases—including Galactosemia, Tyrosinemia Types 1 and 3, Hyperphenylalaninemia, Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Beta Thalassemia, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Alpha Thalassemia, DNAJC12 deficiency, and Phenylketonuria—attended and availed of the services offered during the event. These patients are managed by the continuity clinics in their region of residence.
Of the 48 patients, 28 are managed by the SPMC Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic; nine are under the care of the Davao Regional Medical Center NBSCC; four from AdNPH and CRMC; three from the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center NBSCC (Region 10); and four from the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (Region 12).
Thirteen multidisciplinary specialties provided services during the clinic, including NBS Continuity Clinic, Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Neurology, Hematology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Genetics, Genetic Counseling, Dentistry, Ophthalmology, ENT, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Social Services. Esteemed medical consultants and healthcare experts in these fields manned the clinics.
The multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals worked together to ensure that an all-inclusive approach was provided to patients within a single day. These efforts have significantly enhanced patient support and management, contributing to improved survival and quality of life for every newborn with a positive NBS result.
