Narayana Health – SRCC Hospital launches first-of-its-kind Neurofibromatosis Clinic (NF Clinic) in India.Conducts Master Class in Paediatrics for General Practitioners wrt Timely Identification, Diagnosis & Treatment
Mumbai, 23 December 2019: SRCC Children’s Hospital managed by Narayana Health launches first-of-its-kind Neurofibromatosis Clinic (NF Clinic). NH-SRCC conducts Master Class in Paediatrics for General Practitioners wrt timely identification, diagnosis & treatment. In the Master Class, Dr. Viraj Sanghi spoke about neurological features; Dr. Divyata Hingwala spoke about radiological features; Dr. Shruti Bajaj spoke on genetics and more; and Dr. Uday Andar spoke on surgical management. Dr. Sumeet Pawar (Neurology Consultant, NH-SRCC) moderated a panel discussion on Neurofibromatosis featuring Dr. Viraj Sanghi, Dr. Taral Nagda, Dr. Uday Andar and Dr. Nehal Shah.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous disorder – involving the skin, brain and several other organ systems – is the most common single gene disorder in humans. It affects 1 in every 2,500 to 3,000 people born worldwide. The cause of NF is a change in a gene that produces a protein called neurofibromin. This protein has several functions in the body, which include: Preventing cells from multiplying too rapidly; Transmission of nerve signals from the brain to the muscles, processing and storage of information in the brain.
Neurofibromatosis can pass from a parent to the child. Sometimes either parent is unaffected or a random genetic change may happen while the baby is in the womb. Signs are often noticeable at birth or shortly afterward, and almost always by age 10. NF is not contagious – it does not spread on contact. It does not occur due to drug, alcohol intake or X-ray exposure during pregnancy.
NF can be diagnosed before birth; antenatal diagnosis is very rare. Ultrasound signs are nonspecific; certain tumors associated with NF may be picked up. After birth: There are no specific tests – the diagnosis is made after a clinical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may advise a blood test to look for changes in the NF gene.
Dr. Sumeet Pawar (Consultant- Neurosurgeon, NH-SRCC), said, “Many children affected by Neurofibromatosis symptoms need multi-disciplinary approach as they need neurological, neurosurgical, ophthalmological, psychiatric, orthopaedic, dental, cosmetic, paediatric surgical, ENT and spinal manifestation specialists. It becomes difficult for parents to go for each individual consultation to different doctors at different hospitals to come to a consensus regarding management. SRCC Children’s Hospital, managed by Narayana Health has more than 30 Paediatric specialities under one roof, which makes it worthwhile to form a NF clinic where patients will be seen by a multidisciplinary team and a treatment plan will be formulated.” He added, “The Neurofibromatosis Clinic at NH-SRCC facilitates management of symptoms, which is a very essential part of the treatment of NF. Here, children with NF need regular follow up and management of pertinent symptoms. Some can be followed up and kept under close observation while others need immediate action and surgery.”
These are the most striking feature of NF. Neurofibromas are of three types: Cutaneous – most common, they look like little bumps, sometimes purplish in color; Subcutaneous – swelling felt under the skin, may cause tingling or pain; Plexiform – grows along a nerve, may involve multiple nerve branches, and cause neurological problems. Risk of turning malignant is 8-13%.
NF not only affects the nerves and skin but other systems whereby children get flat, light brown spots on the skin (café au lait spots); freckling in the armpits or groin area; bone deformities; tumors on the optic nerve (optic glioma); tiny bumps on the iris of the eye (Lisch nodules); soft pea-sized bumps on or under the skin. Children may get seizures, headaches, tumors in the brain, learning and speech disabilities; below average height; high blood pressure; bone defects and tumors amongst others.
About Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital
SRCC Children’s Hospital located at Haji Ali Park in Mumbai central is a 207 bed tertiary care facility offering multi-speciality services exclusively for infants, children and adolescents. It is managed by Narayana Health with strong credentials in paediatric care backed by SRCC – an institution renowned for serving the needs of children with physical challenges. Designed on international standards the hospital offers affordable, yet world-class medical care with all super-specialities under one roof apart from a complete set of rehabilitation programs.
