Inherited Conditions
Many diseases and disorders are caused by a person’s genetic makeup. These include abnormalities in genes that occur randomly or because of environmental exposures. Other genetic factors “run in the family” and are inherited at birth from one or both parents.
The Division of Medical Genetics, based in the University of Iowa Department of Pediatrics and UI Children’s Hospital, is a comprehensive statewide resource for families and health care professionals.
Our multidisciplinary team provides hospital- and clinic-based medical care for children and adults with genetic conditions. Testing, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment services include:
- Iowa Neonatal Metabolic Screening Program, a partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the State Hygienic Laboratory to test every baby born in Iowa for more than 25 metabolic disorders. For details, visit Testing for a Healthy Baby.
- Metabolic Genetics Clinic provides counseling, treatment, and follow-up care for children born with metabolic disorders—conditions that affect how the body makes or uses energy from foods.
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Laboratory, a nationally accredited and certified facility that tests and analyzes subtle changes in genes and chromosomes to assist in the diagnosis of complex developmental problems in children.
- General Genetics Clinic for children and adults who are at risk or may show signs of a genetics-related disease or disorder.
- Connective Tissue Disorders Clinic for children and adults who have disorders affecting structural connective tissues—including the skin, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and other tissues that support many of the body’s organs and functions.
- Neurofibromatosis Clinic, a nationally affiliated member of the Neurofibromatosis Clinic Network through the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The clinic offers the latest treatments for neurofibromatosis—a nervous-system condition that causes tumors to grow anywhere in the body and can affect the normal development of tissues such as bone and skin.
- Genetics Outreach Clinics offer statewide genetic health care services and education for individuals, families, and health care providers. Outreach clinics are held in the following Iowa cities: Ames, Bettendorf, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Mason City, and Waterloo.
We understand that genetic diseases and disorders affect families as well as individuals. Our medical team provides the information, support, and follow-up you need to make informed decisions. We will work with your family physician so you will continue to receive the best all-around care as you move forward. We also collaborate with state and federal agencies, educators, researchers, support groups, and others to provide the latest information and treatment options for Iowans and their families.