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McPheron MA, Felker MV. Clinical perspectives: Treating spinal muscular atrophy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2489-2504. [PMID: 38894541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease that, without treatment, leads to progressive weakness and often death. A plethora of studies have led to the approval of three high-cost and effective treatments since 2016. These treatments, nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam, have not been directly compared and have varying challenges in administration. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of these medications, the process of treatment selection, monitoring after treatment, the limited data comparing treatments, as well as future directions for investigation and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A McPheron
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Marcia V Felker
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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2
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Curry MA, Cruz RE, Belter LT, Schroth MK, Jarecki J. Assessment of Barriers to Referral and Appointment Wait Times for the Evaluation of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): Findings from a Web-Based Physician Survey. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:583-598. [PMID: 38430355 PMCID: PMC11136895 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Clinical trial data suggest early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The purpose of this study was to evaluate neurology appointment wait times for newborn screening identified infants, pediatric cases mirroring SMA symptomatology, and cases in which SMA is suspected by the referring physician. Approaches for triaging and expediting referrals in the US were also explored. METHODS Cure SMA surveyed healthcare professionals from two cohorts: (1) providers affiliated with SMA care centers and (2) other neurologists, pediatric neurologists, and neuromuscular specialists. Surveys were distributed directly and via Medscape Education, respectively, between July 9, 2020, and August 31, 2020. RESULTS Three hundred five total responses were obtained (9% from SMA care centers and 91% from the general recruitment sample). Diagnostic journeys were shorter for infants eventually diagnosed with SMA Type 1 if they were referred to SMA care centers versus general sample practices. Appointment wait times for infants exhibiting "hypotonia and motor delays" were significantly shorter at SMA care centers compared to general recruitment practices (p = 0.004). Furthermore, infants with SMA identified through newborn screening were also more likely to be seen sooner if referred to a SMA care center versus a general recruitment site. Lastly, the majority of both cohorts triaged incoming referrals. The average wait time for infants presenting at SMA care centers with "hypotonia and motor delay" was significantly shorter when initial referrals were triaged using a set of "key emergency words" (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Infants directly referred to a SMA care center versus a general sample practice were more likely to experience shorter SMA diagnostic journeys and appointment wait times. Triage guidelines for referrals specific to "hypotonia and motor delay" including use of "key emergency words" may shorten wait times and support early diagnosis and treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Curry
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA.
| | | | - Lisa T Belter
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Mary K Schroth
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Jill Jarecki
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
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Lietsch M, Chan K, Taylor J, Lee BH, Ciafaloni E, Kwon JM, Waldrop MA, Butterfield RJ, Rathore G, Veerapandiyan A, Kapil A, Parsons JA, Gibbons M, Brower A. Long-Term Follow-Up Cares and Check Initiative: A Program to Advance Long-Term Follow-Up in Newborns Identified with a Disease through Newborn Screening. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:34. [PMID: 38651399 PMCID: PMC11036280 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the United States and around the world, newborns are screened on a population basis for conditions benefiting from pre-symptomatic diagnosis and treatment. The number of screened conditions continues to expand as novel technologies for screening, diagnosing, treating, and managing disease are discovered. While screening all newborns facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, most screened conditions are treatable but not curable. Patients identified by newborn screening often require lifelong medical management and community support to achieve the best possible outcome. To advance the long-term follow-up of infants identified through newborn screening (NBS), the Long-Term Follow-up Cares and Check Initiative (LTFU-Cares and Check) designed, implemented, and evaluated a system of longitudinal data collection and annual reporting engaging parents, clinical providers, and state NBS programs. The LTFU-Cares and Check focused on newborns identified with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) through NBS and the longitudinal health information prioritized by parents and families. Pediatric neurologists who care for newborns with SMA entered annual data, and data tracking and visualization tools were delivered to state NBS programs with a participating clinical center. In this publication, we report on the development, use of, and preliminary results from the LTFU-Cares and Check Initiative, which was designed as a comprehensive model of LTFU. We also propose next steps for achieving the goal of a national system of LTFU for individuals with identified conditions by meaningfully engaging public health agencies, clinicians, parents, families, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Lietsch
- American College of Genetics and Genomics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.L.); (K.C.); (J.T.)
| | - Kee Chan
- American College of Genetics and Genomics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.L.); (K.C.); (J.T.)
| | - Jennifer Taylor
- American College of Genetics and Genomics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.L.); (K.C.); (J.T.)
| | - Bo Hoon Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; (B.H.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; (B.H.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Jennifer M. Kwon
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA;
| | - Megan A. Waldrop
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Russell J. Butterfield
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA;
| | - Geetanjali Rathore
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Aravindhan Veerapandiyan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (A.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Arya Kapil
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (A.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Julie A. Parsons
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Melissa Gibbons
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Amy Brower
- American College of Genetics and Genomics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.L.); (K.C.); (J.T.)
- Genetic Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Day JW, Mendell JR, Burghes AH, van Olden RW, Adhikary RR, Dilly KW. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 antibody seroprevalence for patients in the United States with spinal muscular atrophy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101117. [PMID: 37822718 PMCID: PMC10562739 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec is a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vector-based gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Patients with elevated titers of anti-AAV9 antibodies (AAV9-Ab) should not receive onasemnogene abeparvovec because of potential safety and efficacy implications. We conducted a retrospective study to describe the seroprevalence of anti-AAV9 binding antibodies for pediatric patients with SMA in the United States. At initial testing, 13.0% (115 of 882) of patients (mean [SD] age, 26.29 [33.66] weeks) had elevated AAV9-Ab titers. The prevalence of elevated titers decreased as age increased, with 18.2% (92 of 507) of patients ≤3 months old but only 1.1% (1 of 92) of patients ≥21 months old having elevated titers. This suggests transplacental maternal transfer of antibodies. No patterns of geographic variations in AAV9-Ab prevalence were confirmed. Elevated AAV9-Ab titers in children <6 weeks old decreased in all circumstances. Lower magnitudes of elevated titers declined more rapidly than greater magnitudes. Retesting was completed at the discretion of the treating clinician, so age at testing and time between tests varied. AAV9-Ab retesting should be considered when patients have elevated titers, and elevations at a young age are not a deterrent to eventual onasemnogene abeparvovec administration. Early disease-modifying treatment for SMA leads to optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Day
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jerry R. Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arthur H.M. Burghes
- Department of Neurology and Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Rishi R. Adhikary
- CONEXTS-Real World Evidence, Novartis Healthcare Private Limited, Hyderabad, India
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Curry M, Peterson I, Belter L, Sarr F, Whitmire S, Schroth M, Jarecki J. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on SMA Screening and Care: Physician and Community Insights. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1631-1647. [PMID: 37347432 PMCID: PMC10444727 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As part of efforts to reduce diagnostic delays and enhance clinical trials, Cure SMA evaluated the effects of COVID-19 on SMA care and clinical trial conduct. INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive, potentially debilitating muscle weakness and atrophy. Uninterrupted access to early diagnosis, disease-modifying treatment, and care for SMA is vital to avoiding irreversible motor neuron death and achieving optimal patient outcomes. METHODS Two surveys were conducted: a provider survey and a community survey. The Provider Impact Survey, distributed from November 24, 2020, through March 8, 2021, assessed COVID-19's effects on referrals for evaluation of suspected SMA, cancellations and delays of SMA-related care, and clinical trials. The Community Impact Survey was fielded in three waves between April 7, 2020 and July 19, 2021, in tandem with Cure SMA COVID-19 support programs. RESULTS A total of 48 completed provider surveys (22 from care sites, 26 from care-and-trial sites) reflected decreases in referrals for suspected SMA, increases in appointment cancellations and delays, and patient reluctance to attend in-person visits due to COVID-19. One-third of care-and-trial sites reported trial recruitment delays, and one-quarter reported pausing trial enrollment. Results of the Community Impact Survey, completed by 2047 individuals, showed similar disruptions, with 55% reporting changes or limitations in accessing essential SMA-related services. CONCLUSIONS This research evaluates the pandemic's interruption of SMA care and research. These insights can help mitigate and increase preparedness for future disruptive events. Expanded use of virtual tools including telehealth and remote monitoring may enhance continuity and access. However, additional research is required to evaluate their effectiveness. While this research was specific to SMA, its findings may have relevance for other patient communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Curry
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA.
| | - Ilse Peterson
- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20005, USA
| | - Lisa Belter
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Fatou Sarr
- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20005, USA
| | - Sarah Whitmire
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Mary Schroth
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Jill Jarecki
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
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Nigro E, Grunebaum E, Kamath B, Licht C, Malcolmson C, Jeewa A, Campbell C, McMillan H, Chakraborty P, Tarnopolsky M, Gonorazky H. Case report: A case of spinal muscular atrophy in a preterm infant: risks and benefits of treatment. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1230889. [PMID: 37780708 PMCID: PMC10539898 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1230889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular genetic disorder caused by the loss of lower motor neurons leading to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. With the rise of novel therapies and early diagnosis on newborn screening (NBS), the natural history of SMA has been evolving. Earlier therapeutic interventions can modify disease outcomes and improve survival. The role of treatment in infants born preterm is an important question given the importance of early intervention. In this study, we discuss the case of an infant born at 32 weeks who was diagnosed with SMA on NBS and was treated with Spinraza® (Nusinersen) and Zolgensma® (Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) within the first 2 months of life. With the scarce evidence that currently exists, clinicians should be aware of the efficacy and safety impact of early therapy particularly in the preterm infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Nigro
- Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eyal Grunebaum
- Division of Immunology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Binita Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christoph Licht
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Malcolmson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aamir Jeewa
- Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Craig Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Hugh McMillan
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pranesh Chakraborty
- Department of Pediatrics, Newborn Screening Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Tarnopolsky
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Hernan Gonorazky
- Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, ON, Canada
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Aragon-Gawinska K, Mouraux C, Dangouloff T, Servais L. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment in Patients Identified by Newborn Screening-A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1377. [PMID: 37510282 PMCID: PMC10379202 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spinal muscular atrophy, clinical trial results indicated that disease-modifying treatments are highly effective when given prior to symptom onset, which has prompted newborn screening programs in growing number of countries. However, prognosis of those patients cannot be inferred from clinical trials conducted in presymptomatic individuals, as in some cases disease presents very early. METHODS we conducted a systematic review of articles published up to January 2023. RESULTS Among 35 patients with three SMN2 copies treated before 42 days of age and followed-up for at least 18 months, all but one achieved autonomous ambulation. Of 41 patients with two SMN2 copies, who were non-symptomatic at treatment initiation, all achieved a sitting position independently and 31 were able to walk. Of 16 patients with two SMN2 copies followed-up for at least 18 months who presented with symptoms at treatment onset, 3 achieved the walking milestone and all but one were able to sit without support. CONCLUSIONS evaluation of data from 18 publications indicates that the results of early treatment depend on the number of SMN2 copies and the initial neurological status of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Mouraux
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Tamara Dangouloff
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 0ER, UK
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Müller-Felber W, Blaschek A, Schwartz O, Gläser D, Nennstiel U, Brockow I, Wirth B, Burggraf S, Röschinger W, Becker M, Durner J, Eggermann K, Kölbel H, Müller C, Hannibal I, Olgemöller B, Schara U, von Moers A, Trollmann R, Johannssen J, Ziegler A, Cirak S, Hahn A, von der Hagen M, Weiss C, Schreiber G, Flotats-Bastardas M, Hartmann H, Illsinger S, Pechmann A, Horber V, Kirschner J, Köhler C, Winter B, Friese J, Vill K. Newbornscreening SMA - From Pilot Project to Nationwide Screening in Germany. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:55-65. [PMID: 36463459 PMCID: PMC9881029 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Now that targeted therapies for spinal muscular atrophy are available, attempts are being made worldwide to include screening for spinal muscular atrophy in general newborn screening. In Germany, after pilot projects from 2018-2021, it was included in the general newborn screening from October 2021. To ensure a smooth transition, criteria for follow-up were developed together with key stakeholders. At the beginning of the transition to nationwide screening, false positive findings were reported in 3 patients. After optimization of the screening method in the laboratories concerned, all findings have been subsequently confirmed. On average, the first presentation to a neuromuscular center occurred on day 12 of life, and in patients with 2 or 3 SMN2 copies, therapy started on day 26 of life. Compared with the pilot project, there was no significant delay in timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany,Correspondence to: Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Müller-Felber, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337 Munich, Germany. E-mail:
| | - Astrid Blaschek
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Muenster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Dieter Gläser
- MVZ Genetikum GmbH, Center for Human Genetics, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | - Uta Nennstiel
- Screening Center of the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Inken Brockow
- Screening Center of the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Genetics Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jürgen Durner
- Labor Becker und Kollegen, Munich, Germany,Department of Operative/Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Pedodontics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Germany
| | - Christine Müller
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Iris Hannibal
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Schara
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Germany
| | - Arpad von Moers
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Neuropädiatrie, DRK Klinikum Westend, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University ofErlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jessika Johannssen
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ziegler
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Child Neurology, University Hospital, Gießen, Germany
| | - Maja von der Hagen
- Abteilung Neuropädiatrie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Weiss
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Schreiber
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | | | - Hans Hartmann
- Hannover Medical School, Clinic for Pediatric Kidney-, Liver- and Metabolic Diseases, OE, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Illsinger
- Hannover Medical School, Clinic for Pediatric Kidney-, Liver- and Metabolic Diseases, OE, Hannover, Germany
| | - Astrid Pechmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Veronka Horber
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Köhler
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benedikt Winter
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Friese
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Younger DS. On the path to evidence-based therapy in neuromuscular disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:315-358. [PMID: 37562877 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders encompass a diverse group of acquired and genetic diseases characterized by loss of motor functionality. Although cure is the goal, many therapeutic strategies have been envisioned and are being studied in randomized clinical trials and entered clinical practice. As in all scientific endeavors, the successful clinical translation depends on the quality and translatability of preclinical findings and on the predictive value and feasibility of the clinical models. This chapter focuses on five exemplary diseases: childhood spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorders, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), to illustrate the progress made on the path to evidenced-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by biallelic mutations in the SMN1 (survival motor neuron 1) gene on chromosome 5q13.2, which leads to a progressive degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord and in motor nerve nuclei in the caudal brainstem. It is characterized by progressive proximally accentuated muscle weakness with loss of already acquired motor skills, areflexia and, depending on the phenotype, varying degrees of weakness of the respiratory and bulbar muscles. Over the past decade, disease-modifying therapies have become available based on splicing modulation of the SMN2 with SMN1 gene replacement, which if initiated significantly modifies the natural course of the disease. Newborn screening for SMA has been implemented in an increasing number of centers; however, available evidence for these new treatments is often limited to a small spectrum of patients concerning age and disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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11
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Waldrop MA, Connolly AM, Mendell JR. An evaluation of onasemnogene abeparvovec for spinal muscular atrophy (SMN1). Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2021.2003778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Waldrop
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus OH USA
| | - Anne M. Connolly
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus OH USA
| | - Jerry R. Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus OH USA
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Butterfield RJ. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatments, Newborn Screening, and the Creation of a Neurogenetics Urgency. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 38:100899. [PMID: 34183144 PMCID: PMC8243405 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by loss of motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. The United States' Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam for SMA has challenged existing treatment paradigms with multiple treatment options, a new natural history of the disease, and an emerging understanding of the importance of early and pre-symptomatic treatment. The profound impact of early, pre-symptomatic treatment has led to the creation of a neurogenetics urgency for newly identified patients with SMA, a novel problem for neurologists more accustomed to a more methodical approach to diagnosis and care. Implementation of newborn screening programs has helped facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, but challenges remain in overcoming administrative and procedural hurdles that can lead to treatment delays. Herein I discuss 2 cases that highlight the importance of early treatment, as well as gaps in our understanding of the progression of SMA in pre-symptomatic infants.
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