Pediatrician/Neonatologist: the first doctor in the evaluation of children with sex ambiguity

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Published: Jan 22, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31365/issn.2595-1769.v20i1p18-25
Keywords:
Gender Identity; Male Urogenital Diseases; Hypospadias.

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Andrea Trevas Maciel-Guerra
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp)
Gil Guerra-Junior
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp)

Abstract

Objective: To present the main knowledge that the pediatrician or neonatology must have to evaluate children with genital ambiguity (GA) and provide guidance to family members. Methods: Review of scientific literature through articles published in PubMed, highlighting the Chicago Consensus published in 2006 and its review in 2016. Results: The pediatrician or neonatologist should: (1) know normal sexual differentiation; (2) know how to identify a GA and which child should be investigated; (3) look for key data in clinical history and physical examination; (4) know the first laboratory tests to be asked; (5) know the main etiologies of GA; (6) know how to talk to the family about sex of rearing. Conclusions: Though cases of GA are relatively rare in the population and rarely observed in daily pediatric practice, early and correct diagnosis requires adequate medical attention, in order to allow the establishment of prognosis (puberty, fertility and risk of neoplasia), therapeutic planning and genetic counseling, reducing family anxiety and the risk of psychological and social problems. The multidisciplinary team is essential for diagnostic and therapeutic success. The pediatrician or neonatologist is a key player in this team, being responsible for the first information given to the family, and should assume the role of interlocutor between the family and the team, respecting their social, cultural, economic and religious particularities.

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How to Cite
Andrea Trevas Maciel-Guerra, & Gil Guerra-Junior. (2020). Pediatrician/Neonatologist: the first doctor in the evaluation of children with sex ambiguity. Revista De Pediatria SOPERJ, 20(1), 18–25. https://doi.org/10.31365/issn.2595-1769.v20i1p18-25
Issue
Vol. 20 No. 1 (2020): Jan. Fev. Mar.
Section
Artigo de Revisão
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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