Genetic conditions are caused by a change in the DNA. Some genetic conditions
are obvious right after birth, while others may not cause symptoms until
later in life as the child grows older. Genetic conditions can be inherited,
but sometimes occur brand-new without any family history of the disease.
There is a wide range of genetic diseases; in fact, it has been discovered
that genetics play a role in most diseases a person develops..
The Department of Genetics provides the diagnosis and management of a complete
range of genetic disorders including:
Genetic conditions
Chromosomal disorders
Metabolic disorders
Genetic causes of autism and intellectual disabilities
Skeletal dysplasia
Hereditary neurological disorders
Hereditary hearing loss
Congenital anomalies
Family history of genetic diseases
The Manning Family Children's Department of Genetics participates in various
multidisciplinary clinics including the Craniofacial Clinic, the Differences
in Sex Development Clinic, and the Vascular Anomalies Clinic. In addition,
the genetics team offers specialty clinics for patients with Down syndrome,
neurofibromatosis, and metabolic disorders. Genetic counseling is also
available. The department serves as the only referral center for follow-up
evaluations of patients who have presumptive positive newborn screens
with the Louisiana Newborn Screening (NBS) Program.
Managing genetic disorders
The study of genetics is one of the most promising medical research areas,
but we are still a long way from finding a cure for most genetic diseases.
Treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms and preventing the manifestation
of diseases. One of the rising treatments for genetic disorders is gene
therapy which has recently been approved for a few specific disorders.
Our genetic counselors
The Manning Family Children’s Genetics Department team includes several
licensed and board-certified genetic counselors who play a vital role
in the care of our patients. Genetics counselors are healthcare professionals
who have specialized education and training in medical genetics. Our team
of genetic counselors helps educate patients and their families about
genetic diseases and available testing options. The team will evaluate
a patient’s risk of inherited conditions and help advise families
about a child’s genetic condition and what medical treatments and
services may be needed. In addition, the team offers supports for our
patients and families as they are adjusting to a diagnosis of a genetic disease.
To refer a patient, please call or fax the patient's demographic information,
insurance, clinic notes or discharge summary and any labs and testing
results to the numbers below:
Scheduling Department
Phone: 504.896.2888
Fax: 504.896.2889
To contact our Genetics office, call
504.896.9254. Please fax referrals to 504.896.3997.
