What is CIDG and CIDRNZ?
CIDG is a national network of specialist clinicians and scientists working to prevent sudden death due to inherited heart diseases. The Cardiac Inherited Disease Registry N.Z. (CIDRNZ) is an ethically approved national clinical registry designed to track registrants (individuals and families with known cardiac inherited disease) or cases of young sudden death typically 1 - 40 yrs (referred by the Forensic Pathologists/Coroner).
Each CIDG member has their own employing hospital or District Health Board. Aside from the coordinators based within ADHB, Waikato DHB and Capital and Coast DHB, CIDG does not receive individual funding, but works within existing clinical systems to facilitate clinical screening for families across the country.
Which Cardiac Inherited conditions does CIDG deal with?
The commonest familial heart conditions are Long QT syndrome (LQTS), Brugada syndrome (BRS), Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). CIDG also coordinates nationally the family and genetic investigation for sudden unexpected natural deaths in 1-40 year olds. CIDG works closely with the national forensic and coronial services. Advice can be provided in cases of resuscitated sudden cardiac arrest 1 - 40 year old age group, assistance with DNA storage and provocation tests that may assist with diagnosis. Contacts: Dr Luciana Marcondes Paediatric Cardiology, Dr Andrew Martin Adult Cardiology. Clinical Coordinator will normally be able to assist you.
Who leads CIDG?
The national clinical leader is Dr Andrew Martin Adult Heart Rhythm Specialist and he is supported by Dr Luciana Marcondes Paediatric Heart Rhythm Specialist, Dr Miriam Wheeler Adult Cardiomyopathy Specialist and Dr Ivor Gerber Adult Cardiomyopathy Specialist.
Which doctors belong to CIDG?
A group of clinicians from each region belong to CIDG, and these can be found on the CIDG website (www.cidg.org.nz). The majority are Cardiologists (heart doctors), Paediatricians, Geneticists and Pathologists.
Is this just for children?
No, CIDG facilitates family screening for all family members. The clinical tests to diagnose heart problems, are usually performed in your local Hospital. Children sometimes have specialised heart tests at the Starship Hospital and test results can be copied and sent to other specialists for opinion.
Are referrals able to be made?
Yes we are able to receive e referrals from GPs and Consultants. Please choose the Auckland Hospital and search Cardiac Inherited Disease Service. You can then type in your referral.
When making a referral be sure to include any pertinent family history.