Affiliation:
1. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX.
Abstract
Infants born with ambiguous genitalia pose challenges to medical providers and can cause parental anxiety and distress. Disorders of sexual development (DSD) are classified into 3 major categories (46,XY DSD, 46,XX DSD, and sex chromosome DSD). A thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing are needed to identify the underlying etiology. An understanding of normal sexual development can help clinicians tailor their initial diagnostic evaluation for an infant with ambiguous genitalia. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team that is experienced in DSD is essential. Sex assignment should be made only after all diagnostic evaluations have been considered; families should be an integral part of the decision-making process.
Publisher
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Subject
Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health