Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial disorders are hereditary conditions caused by errors in the mitochondria.

The mitochondria are microscopic “power plants” within cells. They create most of the energy the body needs to live and grow.

When the mitochondria are faulty and can't do their job, many organs and systems of the body begin to fail.

Children with mitochondrial disorders can suffer:

• Brain damage
• Heart problems
• Vision problems
• Seizures
• Other serious health problems

Your Child's Mitochondrial Disorder Consult and Care: What to Expect

If a doctor diagnosed your child with a mitochondrial disorder, we want you to know you're not alone. The Center for Rare Disease Therapy is here to help.

To make an appointment for your child or refer a patient for care, contact us by:

• Phone at 412-692-7273.
• Email at MitoMed@chp.edu.

Here’s what you can expect when you come to us for a consult.

How soon can I get an appointment for my child's mitochondrial disorder?

Dr. Uta Lichter-Konecki, our mitochondrial disease expert, can often see a new patient within 2 to 3 weeks.

What should I expect at my child's first visit for mitochondrial disorder?

Your first visit with Dr. Lichter-Konecki will take about two hours. If your child sees other doctors, the total time for your first visit may be 4 to 6 hours.

Your child will have a complete assessment from Dr. Lichter-Konecki.

She will make or confirm a mitochondrial disorder diagnosis and find out how much the disease has progressed.

Because we work as a team at the center, other experts that might see your child during your visit include:

• Eye and hearing specialists
• A rehab specialist
• A nutritionist
• A genetic counselor
• A child development specialist

What are the next steps after my child's visit to the Center for Rare Disease Therapy?

Members of your child's mitochondrial disorder care team will talk with you about likely next steps, such as:

• Further testing and follow-up visits.
• Treatment options.
• Ways to care for your child at home to help improve his or her quality of life.

If surgery might help treat your child's mitochondrial disease, we'll discuss the details. We'll make sure you know what the surgery entails and how you and your child can prepare for it.

By the end of your visit, you will have a mitochondrial disorder care plan tailored to your child’s needs. We'll also schedule a follow-up visit.

Before you leave, please feel free to ask us about your child's mitochondrial disorder diagnosis, treatment, or anything else on your mind.

If my child had tests at the Center for Rare Disease Therapy, when should I expect the results?

We'll call you within 2 weeks to discuss the test results and next steps for your child's mitochondrial disorder care.

Genetic testing can sometimes take several months.

You can also find your child's test results if you signed up for myCHP — Children's patient portal.

myCHP lets you manage your child's health online. It's free for patients, parents, and guardians of UPMC Children's Hospital.

Partners in Your Child's Mitochondrial Disorder Care

When a child has a rare disease like a mitochondrial disorder, it affects the whole family.

At the Center for Rare Disease Therapy, we see each family member as our partners.

The best care approach happens when we merge our mitochondrial disorder expertise with your knowledge of what’s best for your child.

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh — named a certified Mitochondrial Medicine Center — is now part of the new, first-of-its-kind Mitochondrial Care Network (MCN).

The MCN is a joint effort of professional and patient advocacy groups including:

• Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine
• MitoAction
• Mitochondrial Medicine Society
• United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation

The MCN intends to:

• Formally unite doctors who provide medical care to people with mitochondrial disease.
• Define, design, and apply best practices in mitochondrial medicine.
• Improve the management and care for people with the disease.

Contact Us About Mitochondrial Disorders

Contact us to make an appointment or learn more about mitochondrial disorders:

• Phone: 412-692-7273.
• Email: MitoMed@chp.edu.