Children's Mercy 22q Team Recognized for Advancing Care at International Scientific Conference

Children's Mercy continues to contribute to the advancement of care for patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome through nationally recognized clinical expertise and research.

The Children's Mercy 22q Center, one of the nation's largest programs of its kind, provides multidisciplinary care for nearly 500 children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Recently, the team shared its latest research and clinical insights at the 2026 International 22q11.2 Scientific Conference in Crete, Greece, a biennial meeting that brings together leading clinicians and researchers from more than 20 countries to improve outcomes for individuals affected by the condition. 

Children's Mercy specialists presented four podium presentations and one poster presentation highlighting research and clinical management strategies for children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Jill Arganbright, MD, received the conference's Best Session Paper Award for her presentation examining postoperative hypocalcemia following implementation of an institution-wide evidence-based clinical pathway. 

Research presented by the Children's Mercy team addressed several important aspects of care for patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, including:

• Postoperative hypocalcemia and outcomes associated with an evidence-based clinical pathway.
• Immune dysregulation in chromosome 22q11.2-related disorders using data from the USIDNET Registry.
• Surgical management of velopharyngeal dysfunction using bilateral buccal myomucosal flap palatoplasty.
• Cardiopulmonary findings in adolescents with right circumflex aortic arch and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
• Diagnosis, management and outcomes related to branch pulmonary artery anomalies in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. 

The presentations reflect the program's commitment to integrating clinical care, quality improvement and research to inform best practices for a complex patient population. Contributions from Children's Mercy faculty and advanced practice providers help expand the evidence base and support improvements in diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes for children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome worldwide. 

Through its multidisciplinary approach and ongoing research efforts, the Children's Mercy 22q Center remains a leading resource for referring providers seeking specialized care for patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and related disorders.