by Mirasol S. Ellong, MD
The Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic (NBSCC) – Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) hosted the “Thrive Check: Supporting Your Baby’s Growth and Development After Newborn Screening” on September 19, 2025, at the ZCMC. This specialized activity was designed to ensure continuous care and monitor the post-diagnosis well-being of children identified through the Newborn Screening Program. The event was attended by 10 patients and their families, including children diagnosed with Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH), Methylcrotonyl-CoA Carboxylase Deficiency (MCCC), and Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD).
The program zeroed in on two critical aspects of care for children with metabolic and endocrine disorders: neurodevelopment and nutrition that often pose unique challenges to growth. Dr. Vida Daria, a Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Specialist, delivered a highly informative lecture on the “Red Flags of Growth and Development,” providing parents with essential guidance on signs needing further evaluation. Following the talk, Dr. Daria and resident physicians from the ZCMC Department of Pediatrics conducted personalized neurodevelopmental assessments for all attending patients.
Complementing the developmental focus was the emphasis on tailored nutritional guidance. Dr. Pilarica Caguiat-Jo, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist, shared her expertise on the “Red Flags of Eating Habits,” educating caregivers on potential feeding issues common in children with these specific disorders. Subsequently, ZCMC Nutritionist-Dietitians Ms. Glady Mae Dela Rosa and Ms. Nurshida Hershey Mohammad Taib, along with the ZCMC Department of Pediatrics resident physicians, facilitated individualized nutritional assessments.
