The Differences of Sexual Dev
elopment (DSD) Clinic cares for children born with abnormalities of the genitalia and/or reproductive organs secondary to a chromosomal or hormonal disorder.
Our mission is to improve the care of children with DSDs by providing comprehensive and coordinated care for positive physical and emotional outcomes. As we understand that the diagnosis of DSD can be overwhelming and challenging for patients and families, we educate and support families along with providing treatment.
DSDs may be diagnosed shortly after birth, but some go unrecognized until later in a child’s life. Medical management of these patients involves correctly diagnosing the disorder; some patients require hormonal treatment and/or surgical intervention. Psychosocial counseling is also important for some patients and their families.
Conditions Treated
DSDs managed in our clinic include:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Partial or total androgen insensitivity (PAIS or CAIS)
- 5-alpha-reductase deficiency
- Leydig cell hypoplasia
- Gonadal dysgenesis
- Abnormalities of the Mullerian duct syndrome
- Aromatase deficiency
Team
Our clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists in endocrinology, gynecology, urology and behavioral health.
Marcela Vargas, M.D., from Endocrinology provides medical/hormonal treatment.
Akilah Weber, M.D., from Gynecology and Madhu Alagiri, M.D., from Urology collaborate to manage children with disorders that require surgical intervention.
Kriston Schellinger, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, provides psychosocial counseling to patients and families.
To make an appointment or refer a patient, please call 858-966-4032, option 5; fax: 858-966-6227.