The Reproductive Anomalies/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) Clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital serves the complex needs of patients with congenital malformations of the reproductive system through a thoughtful, coordinated, and multidisciplinary approach to care.
Leading this team of dedicated medical specialists is Dr. Kathy Graziano, a Phoenix native, who completed her training at the University of Michigan where she was mentored by Dr. Arnold G. Coran, an internationally respected physician in the field of reproductive anomaly reconstruction.
The DSD Clinic is a multidisciplinary approach to complex conditions…
The DSD Clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, is staffed by talented and compassionate medical professionals representing each of the subspecialty areas required to effectively care for patients living with a DSD. By organizing the resources of pediatric surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, endocrinologists, psychologists, social work, genetics, and bioethicists, the Clinic offers a level of care previously unavailable in the Southwest.
The Clinic’s mission is to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other physicians about DSD diagnoses and treatments and to provide an individualized, evidenced-based approach to care. In 2010, Dr. Graziano received Institutional Board Review (IRB) approval from Phoenix Children’s Hospital to develop a registry designed to improve patient outcomes. In 2013, the Clinic was invited to join the DSD-TRN national research network. This IRB approved research will continue the promotion of health and quality of life for patients that have been diagnosed with a reproductive anomaly.
The clinic combines the experience of sub-specialists to diagnose and treat pediatric patients living with a disorder of the urogenital system. These disorders include, but are not limited to :
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
- Learn more about this inherited disorder that affects the adrenal glands by reading Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Newborn and Living with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
- Complete Androgen Insensitivity (CAIS)
- Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis
- Vaginal Agenesis
- Urogenital Sinus Anomalies
- Exstrophy of the Bladder
- Cloaca and Cloacal Anomalies
- Turner’s Syndrome
- Ambiguous Genitalia or Intersex
- OHVIRA
- Hypospadias
Education about these diagnoses involves providers, patients, and their families, too. Take a look at our DSD Checklists to see how we help patients and families through the learning process.
For more information, visit Accord Alliance, a national organization that promotes comprehensive and integrated approaches to care that enhance the health and well-being of patients and families affected by disorders of sex development (DSD).
Join us for our 3rd annual DSD Workshop on Saturday, February 27, 2016! The DSD Workshop is open to all patients and their families who are interested in education, making personal connections, and providing support for those affected by a congenital reproductive system anomaly. For more information, contact Janett Hernandez, Clinic Coordinator, 602-933-4098.
To help educate patients and their families about genitourinary disorders, the Reproductive Anomalies Clinic offers confidential information packets through the Emily Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. If you’d like more information about preparing for a health care provider visit, the video Talking With Your Doctor and Other Healthcare Professionals outlines steps that both teens and parents can use to ensure all their questions and concerns regarding medical conditions are addressed.
A Snapshot of the Reproductive Anomalies Population
There are an average of 100,000 births in Arizona each year and with the state’s expanding pediatric population comes the increase in incidence of these disorders. It’s estimated that each year approximately 50 children in Arizona are born with some type of reproductive anomaly. Parents of children living with a reproductive malformation should know they are not alone.
- Bladder exstrophy is present in one of every 30,000 births.
- One child in every 20,000 born has complete androgen insensitivity (XY female).
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is present in one of every 15,000 newborns. Click on the link to view “Living With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia or CAH,” a video posted by a 19 year old woman who discusses her diagnosis and shares her experiences living with CAH.
- Cloaca or cloacal anomalies occur once in every 10,000 births.
- One in every 5,000 newborns is diagnosed with Turner’s syndrome.
- A vaginal anomaly occurs once in every 5,000 births.
Experienced Medical Professionals, Comprehensive Care
The Reproductive Anomalies Clinic at Phoenix Children’s is staffed by talented and compassionate medical professionals representing each of the sub-specialty areas required to effectively care for patients living with a genitourinary disorder.
The medical team includes:
- Kathleen Graziano, MD – Surgery
- Michael Ritchey, MD Urology
- Gwen Grimsby, MD Urology
- Micah Olson, MD-Endocrinology
- Reeti Chawla, MD– Endocrinology
- Jacob Venter, MD – Psychiatry
- Peggy Pearson, MD – Genetics
- Amy Williamson, MD – Gynecology
- Dorothy Rowe, MD – Surgery
- David Beyda, MD – Bioethics
- Janett Hernandez, BA – Clinic Coordinator/Social Work
How to Contact Us
Referring providers or patients can call the Clinic to start the process of coordinating the multispecialty care. Preliminary information will be obtained during the phone call and appropriate appointments and/or diagnostic studies can be arranged. The provider or patient will receive a follow-up call from one of the physicians.