East Montgomery Times

Dr. Alexandra K. Medoro, a physician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), heads the Congenital and Perinatal Infections Clinic (CPIC). This clinic is focused on newborns diagnosed with congenital or perinatal infections. Dr. Medoro provides insights into the clinic's purpose, services, and support for families.

Dr. Medoro explained the motivation behind the clinic was recognizing the need for focused care for infants with congenital and perinatal infections. "We saw a clear need for a clinical center for infants diagnosed with congenital and perinatal infections," she stated, detailing the challenges these children face without dedicated follow-up care. She added that the clinic acts as a bridge, offering continuous and specialized support.

The CPIC primarily manages congenital CMV, congenital syphilis, congenital toxoplasmosis, and perinatal HSV infections. "Many of these infections can have long-term effects on hearing, vision, and neurological development, which makes timely diagnosis and intervention critical," Dr. Medoro noted.

To ensure a smooth transition from hospital to outpatient care, the clinic prioritizes early intervention. Dr. Medoro said, "Our nursing team quickly reviews the infant’s birth records to coordinate an expedited appointment," and highlighted the option for telemedicine visits to address family concerns promptly.

The CPIC collaborates with specialists across several disciplines. "While our infectious disease group leads the clinic, we collaborate closely with specialists from ophthalmology, audiology, neurology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and neurodevelopmental care," Dr. Medoro mentioned.

Referral to the clinic typically comes from healthcare providers like neonatologists and pediatricians. Dr. Medoro explained the referral process when newborns fail the hearing test or show signs of potential infection.

Diagnostic and treatment options at CPIC include blood, urine, and saliva tests. "We also perform head imaging like MRIs, as well as hearing tests and eye exams to assess the extent of infection," said Dr. Medoro. Treatment varies, with some infants receiving antiviral medications to mitigate hearing loss risks.

The clinic is also committed to supporting families in managing long-term complications. "We track developmental milestones and perform regular hearing and vision assessments," Dr. Medoro shared, emphasizing family counseling and education.

Education is central to CPIC's services. "Education is a cornerstone of our clinic," Dr. Medoro stated. The clinic provides tailored information and develops educational materials to assist families and referring providers.

Dr. Medoro expressed her aspirations for the clinic: "Our ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that gives families confidence and clarity during a challenging time."

For further inquiries about the CPIC, call 267-425-3377.