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Stolte B, Neuhoff S, Lipka J, Schlag M, von Velsen O, Kruse T, Deuschl C, Kleinschnitz C, Hagenacker T. Performance fatigability in adults with spinal muscular atrophy treated long-term with nusinersen. Muscle Nerve 2024. [PMID: 39360659 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Persons with spinal muscular atrophy (pwSMA) report progressive muscle weakness but also reduced endurance when performing repetitive tasks in daily life, referred to as "performance fatigability" (PF). Data regarding the effects of the new disease-modifying drugs on PF are scarce. Thus, our main objective was to examine PF in adult ambulatory pwSMA treated long-term with nusinersen. METHODS Six-minute walk test (6MWT) data from 14 adult pwSMA treated with nusinersen for up to 70 months were retrospectively analyzed to determine PF. Performance fatigability was defined as the percentage change in the distance covered between the last and first minute of the 6MWT. In addition, relationships between PF and other clinical features were assessed. RESULTS Performance fatigability was found in 12/14 pwSMA (85.7%) prior to treatment. The mean distance walked in the sixth minute (71.1 m) was shorter than the distance covered in the first minute (81.8 m), corresponding to a mean PF of 13.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5-19.6, p = .0007). During treatment with nusinersen, there was a mean reduction in PF of 5.6% (95% CI: -10.0 to -1.3, p = .0148). We found no relationship between PF and fatigue as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates the presence of PF as an independent component of motor impairment and as a potential therapeutic target in our cohort of adult ambulatory pwSMA. Furthermore, the observations in our cohort suggest that nusinersen may have a beneficial effect on PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Stolte
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Svenja Neuhoff
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jaqueline Lipka
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melina Schlag
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Otgonzul von Velsen
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometrics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Teresa Kruse
- Department of Orthodontics and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelius Deuschl
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Govoni A, Ricci G, Bonanno S, Bello L, Magri F, Meneri M, Torri F, Caponnetto C, Passamano L, Grandis M, Trojsi F, Cerri F, Gadaleta G, Capece G, Caumo L, Tanel R, Saccani E, Vacchiano V, Sorarù G, D'Errico E, Tramacere I, Bortolani S, Rolle E, Gellera C, Zanin R, Silvestrini M, Politano L, Schenone A, Previtali SC, Berardinelli A, Turri M, Verriello L, Coccia M, Mantegazza R, Liguori R, Filosto M, Maioli MA, Simone IL, Mongini T, Corti S, Manca ML, Pegoraro E, Siciliano G, Comi GP, Maggi L. Six-minute walk test as outcome measure of fatigability in adults with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:816-823. [PMID: 39096012 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Fatigue (subjective perception) and fatigability (objective motor performance worsening) are relevant aspects of disability in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The effect of nusinersen on fatigability in SMA patients has been investigated with conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate this in adult with SMA3. METHODS We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study, including adult ambulant patients with SMA3, data available on 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE) at baseline and at least at 6 months of treatment with nusinersen. We investigated fatigability, estimated as 10% or higher decrease in walked distance between the first and sixth minute of the 6MWT, at baseline and over the 14-month follow-up. RESULTS Forty-eight patients (56% females) were included. The 6MWT improved after 6, 10, and 14 months of treatment (p < 0.05). Of the 27 patients who completed the entire follow-up, 37% improved (6MWT distance increase ≥30 m), 48.2% remained stable, and 14.8% worsened (6MWT distance decline ≥30 m). Fatigability was found at baseline in 26/38 (68%) patients and confirmed at subsequent time points (p < 0.05) without any significant change over the treatment period. There was no correlation between fatigability and SMN2 copy number, sex, age at disease onset, age at baseline, nor with 6MWT total distance and baseline HFMSE score. DISCUSSION Fatigability was detected at baseline in approximately 2/3 of SMA3 walker patients, without any correlation with clinical features, included motor performance. No effect on fatigability was observed during the 14-month treatment period with nusinersen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Govoni
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, Myology Institute, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Magri
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Torri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luigia Passamano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics Unit, Luigi Vanvitelli Campania University, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Grandis
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Trojsi
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Cerri
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Gadaleta
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuliana Capece
- Department of Neurosciences, Myology Institute, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Caumo
- Department of Neurosciences, Myology Institute, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tanel
- NeMO Clinical Centre Villa Rosa Hospital/Department of Neurology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Elena Saccani
- Specialistic Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Veria Vacchiano
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, Myology Institute, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Eustachio D'Errico
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN-AOU Policlinico Consorziale Bari, Bari, Italy
- ERN-NMD center for Neuromuscular disease and Unit of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bortolani
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Enrica Rolle
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neuroncologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zanin
- Developmental Neurology, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Silvestrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Neurological Sciences, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics Unit, Luigi Vanvitelli Campania University, Naples, Italy
| | - Angelo Schenone
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mara Turri
- Department of Neurology/Stroke Unit, Bolzano Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Verriello
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
| | - Michela Coccia
- Department of Neurological Sciences, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Laura Simone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences-DiBraiN-AOU Policlinico Consorziale Bari, Bari, Italy
- ERN-NMD center for Neuromuscular disease and Unit of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mongini
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Manca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Mathematics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, Myology Institute, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Musso G, Bello L, Capece G, Bozzoni V, Caumo L, Sabbatini D, Zangaro V, Sogus E, Cosma C, Petrosino A, Sorarù G, Plebani M, Pegoraro E. Neurofilament light chain and profilin-1 dynamics in 30 spinal muscular atrophy type 3 patients treated with nusinersen. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16393. [PMID: 38924263 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim was to investigate whether neurofilament light chain (NfL) and profilin-1 (PFN-1) might qualify as surrogate disease and treatment-response biomarkers by correlating their concentrations dynamic with clinical status in a cohort of 30 adult spinal muscular atrophy type 3 patients during nusinersen therapy up to 34 months. METHODS Neurofilament light chain was measured in cerebrospinal fluid at each drug administration with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); PFN-1 concentrations were tested in serum sampled at the same time points with commercial ELISA assays. Functional motor scores were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the loading phase and at each maintenance dose and correlated to biomarker levels. The concurrent effect of age and clinical phenotype was studied. RESULTS Neurofilament light chain levels were included in the reference ranges at baseline; a significant increase was measured during loading phase until 1 month. PFN-1 was higher at baseline than in controls and then decreased during therapy until reaching control levels. Age had an effect on NfL but not on PFN-1. NfL was partially correlated to functional scores at baseline and at last time point, whilst no correlation was found for PFN-1. CONCLUSION Cerebrospinal fluid NfL levels did not qualify as an optimal surrogate treatment biomarker in adult spinal muscular atrophy patients with a long disease duration, whilst PFN-1 might to a greater extent represent lower motor neuron pathological processes. The observed biomarker level variation during the first 2 months of nusinersen treatment might suggest a limited effect on axonal remodeling or rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Musso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - L Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - G Capece
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - V Bozzoni
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - L Caumo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - D Sabbatini
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - V Zangaro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E Sogus
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Cosma
- Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Petrosino
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - G Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Plebani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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4
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Hagenacker T, Maggi L, Coratti G, Youn B, Raynaud S, Paradis AD, Mercuri E. Effectiveness of Nusinersen in Adolescents and Adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:1483-1504. [PMID: 39222296 PMCID: PMC11393259 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00653-2] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nusinersen clinical trials have limited data on adolescents and adults with 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis to assess effectiveness of nusinersen in adolescents and adults with SMA in clinical practice. METHODS Our search included papers published 12/23/2016 through 07/01/2022 with ≥ 5 individuals ≥ 13 years of age and with ≥ 6 months' data on ≥ 1 selected motor function outcomes [Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)]. For meta-analysis, effect sizes were pooled using random-effects models. To understand treatment effects by disease severity, subgroup meta-analysis by SMA type and ambulatory status was conducted. RESULTS Fourteen publications including 539 patients followed up to 24 months met inclusion criteria for the SLR. Patients were age 13-72 years and most (99%) had SMA Type II or III. Modest improvement or stability in motor function was consistently observed at the group level. Significant mean increases from baseline were observed in HFMSE [2.3 points (95% CI 1.3-3.3)] with 32.1% (21.7-44.6) of patients demonstrating a clinically meaningful increase (≥ 3 points) at 18 months. Significant increases in RULM were consistently found, with a mean increase of 1.1 points (0.7-1.4) and 38.3% (30.3-47.1) showing a clinically meaningful improvement (≥ 2 points) at 14 months. Among ambulatory patients, there was a significant increase in mean 6MWT distance of 25.0 m (8.9-41.2) with 50.9% (33.4-68.2) demonstrating a clinically meaningful improvement (≥ 30 m) at 14 months. The increases in HFMSE were greater for less severely affected patients, whereas more severely affected patients showed greater improvement in RULM. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide consolidated evidence that nusinersen is effective in improving or stabilizing motor function in many adolescents and adults with a broad spectrum of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Angela D Paradis
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- , 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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5
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Liguori M, Bianco A, Introna A, Consiglio A, Milella G, Abbatangelo E, D'Errico E, Licciulli F, Grillo G, Simone IL. An early Transcriptomic Investigation in Adult Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Under Treatment with Nusinersen. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:89. [PMID: 39325116 PMCID: PMC11427494 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare degenerative disorder with loss of motor neurons caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene. Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, was approved for SMA treatment to compensate the deficit of the encoded protein SMN by modulating the pre-mRNA splicing of SMN2, the centromeric homologous of SMN1, thus inducing the production of a greater amount of biologically active protein. Here, we reported a 10-month transcriptomics investigation in 10 adult SMA who received nusinersen to search for early genetic markers for clinical monitoring. By comparing their profiles with age-matched healthy controls (HC), we also analyzed the changes in miRNA/mRNAs expression and miRNA-target gene interactions possibly associated with SMA. A multidisciplinary approach of HT-NGS followed by bioinformatics/biostatistics analysis was applied. Within the study interval, those SMA patients who showed some clinical improvements were characterized by having the SMN2/SMN1 ratio slightly increased over the time, while in the stable ones the ratio decreased, suggesting that the estimation of SMN2/SMN1 expression may be an early indicator of nusinersen efficacy. On the other hand, the expression of 38/147 genes/genetic regions DE at T0 between SMA and HC like TRADD and JUND resulted "restored" at T10. We also confirmed the dysregulation of miR-146a(-5p), miR-324-5p and miR-423-5p in SMA subjects. Of interest, miR-146a-5p targeted SMN1, in line with experimental evidence showing the key role of astrocyte-produced miR-146a in SMA motor neuron loss. Molecular pathways such as NOTCH, NF-kappa B, and Toll-like receptor signalings seem to be involved in the SMA pathogenesis.
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Grants
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
- D.U.P. n.246/2019, D.D. n. 3 of 13 January 2021 Apulian Regional Council
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Liguori
- National Research Council, Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Technologies - Bari Unit, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Bianco
- National Research Council, Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Technologies - Bari Unit, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Introna
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Arianna Consiglio
- National Research Council, Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Technologies - Bari Unit, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Giammarco Milella
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Abbatangelo
- National Research Council, Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Technologies - Bari Unit, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Eustachio D'Errico
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Flavio Licciulli
- National Research Council, Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Technologies - Bari Unit, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grillo
- National Research Council, Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Technologies - Bari Unit, 70125, Bari, Italy
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6
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Wang N, Hu Y, Jiao K, Cheng N, Sun J, Tang J, Song J, Sun C, Wang T, Wang K, Qiao K, Xi J, Zhao C, Yu L, Zhu W. Long-term impact of nusinersen on motor and electrophysiological outcomes in adolescent and adult spinal muscular atrophy: insights from a multicenter retrospective study. J Neurol 2024; 271:6004-6014. [PMID: 39030456 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive autosomal recessive motor neuron disease. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the effects of nusinersen on motor function and electrophysiological parameters in adolescent and adult patients with 5q SMA. METHODS Patients with genetically confirmed 5q SMA were eligible for inclusion, and clinical data were collected at baseline (V1), 63 days (V4), 180 days (V5), and 300 days (V6). The efficacy of nusinersen was monitored by encompassing clinical assessments, including the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and percent-predicted Forced Vital Capacity in sitting position (FVC%) and Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) amplitude. The patients were divided into "sitter" and "walker" subgroups according to motor function status. RESULTS 54 patients were screened, divided into "sitter" (N = 22) and "walker" (N = 32), with the mean age at baseline of 27.03 years (range 13-53 years). The HFMSE in the walker subgroup increased significantly from baseline to V4 (mean change +2.32-point, P = 0.004), V5 (+3.09, P = 0.004) and V6 (+4.21, P = 0.005). The patients in both the sitter and walker subgroup had no significant changes in mean RULM between V1 and the following time points. Significant increases in CMAP amplitudes were observed in both upper and lower limbs after treatment. Also, patients with RULM ≥ 36 points showed significant CMAP improvements. Our analysis predicted that patients with CMAP amplitudes of trapezius ≥ 1.76 mV were more likely to achieve significant motor function improvements. CONCLUSIONS Nusinersen effectively improves motor function and electrophysiological data in adolescent and adult patients with SMA. This is the first report on the CMAP amplitude changes in the trapezius after treatment in patients with SMA. The CMAP values effectively compensate for the ceiling effect observed in the RULM, suggesting that CMAP could serve as an additional biomarker for evaluating treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Wang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Kexin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nachuan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - JinXue Tang
- Qilin District People's Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Kai Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqiang Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders (NCND), Shanghai, China.
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Cavaloiu B, Simina IE, Vilciu C, Trăilă IA, Puiu M. Nusinersen Improves Motor Function in Type 2 and 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients across Time. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1782. [PMID: 39200246 PMCID: PMC11351209 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, leading to motor neuron degeneration and muscle atrophy, affecting multiple organ systems. Nusinersen treatment targets gene expression and is expected to enhance the motor function of voluntary muscles in the limbs and trunk. Motor skills can be assessed through specific scales like the Revised Upper Limb Module Scale (RULM) and Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE). This study aims to evaluate the influence of nusinersen on the motor skills of patients with SMA Type 2 and 3 using real-world data collected over 54 months. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 37 SMA patients treated with nusinersen, analyzing data with R statistical software. The outcomes revealed significant improvements in motor functions, particularly in SMA Type 3 patients with higher RULM and HFSME scores. Additionally, GEE analysis identified time, type, age, and exon deletions as essential predictors of motor score improvements. The extended observation period is both a major strength and a limitation of this research, as the dropout rates could present challenges in interpretation. Variability in responses, influenced by genetic background, SMA type, and onset age, highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdana Cavaloiu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microscopic Morphology, Genetics Discipline, Center of Genomic Medicine, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 E. Murgu, Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Radiology, ‘Victor Gomoiu’ Children’s Clinical Hospital, 21 Basarabia Blvd., 022102 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iulia-Elena Simina
- Department of Genetics, Center of Genomic Medicine, ‘Victor Babeş’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timișoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Crisanda Vilciu
- Department of Neurology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Neurology Clinic, ‘Fundeni’ Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iuliana-Anamaria Trăilă
- Department of Pathology, ‘Pius Brinzeu’ Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Maria Puiu
- Department of Genetics, Center of Genomic Medicine, ‘Victor Babeş’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timișoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Jiang Y, Shen Y, Zhou Q, Zhu H. Unveiling the adverse events of Nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy management based on FAERS database. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17138. [PMID: 39060346 PMCID: PMC11282055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to collect and analyze adverse event (AE) reports related to Nusinersen from the FAERS database. The study employed a combination of signal quantification techniques, including the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS), to enhance the accuracy of signal detection and reduce the risk of false positives or negatives. Between the first quarter of 2017 and the third quarter of 2023, the FAERS database collected a total of 11,485,105 drug AE reports, of which 5772 were related to Nusinersen. Through signal mining analysis, 218 preferred term (PT) signals involving 27 system organ classes (SOCs) were identified. The study discovered AEs related to metabolism and nutrition disorders, psychiatric disorders, and cardiac disorders SOCs, which were not mentioned in the product information. Additionally, complications directly related to the intrathecal administration of Nusinersen, such as increased CSF pressure, positive CSF red blood cell count, and AEs related to the method of drug use, such as neuromuscular scoliosis and cerebrospinal fluid reservoir placement, were highlighted. Notably, AEs related to renal function abnormalities, such as abnormal Urine protein/creatinine ratio and protein urine presence, showed higher frequency and signal strength. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of comprehensive safety monitoring in the clinical application of Nusinersen. These results are significant for guiding future clinical practices, improving disease management strategies, and developing safer treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jiang
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China
| | - Haohao Zhu
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China.
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9
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Zhu C, Zaidman C, Youn B, Paradis AD, Raynaud S, Neville BA, Johnson NB. Evaluation of inpatient and emergency department healthcare resource utilization and costs pre- and post-nusinersen for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy using United States claims. J Comp Eff Res 2024; 13:e230187. [PMID: 38963060 PMCID: PMC11225157 DOI: 10.57264/cer-2023-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Nusinersen, administered by intrathecal injection at a dose of 12 mg, is indicated across all ages for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Evidence on real-world healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs among patients taking nusinersen remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate real-world HRU and costs associated with nusinersen use through US claims databases. Patients & methods: Using the Merative™ MarketScan® Research Databases, patients with SMA receiving nusinersen were identified from commercial (January 2017 to June 2020) and Medicaid claims (January 2017 to December 2019). Those likely to have complete information on the date of nusinersen initiation and continuous enrollment 12 months pre- and post-index (first record of nusinersen treatment) were retained. Number and costs (US$ 2020) of inpatient admissions and emergency department (ED) visits, unrelated to nusinersen administration, were evaluated for 12 months pre- and post-nusinersen initiation and stratified by age: pediatric (<18 years) and adult (≥18 years). Results: Overall, 103 individuals treated with nusinersen were retained: 59 were pediatric (mean age [range]: 9 [1-17] years), and 44 were adults (30 [18-63] years). Inpatient admissions decreased by 41% for pediatrics and 67% for adults in the 12 months post-treatment versus the 12 months pre-treatment. Average inpatient admission costs per patient for the pediatric cohort decreased by 63% ($22,903 vs $8466) and by 79% ($13,997 vs $2899) for the adult cohort when comparing the 12 months pre-index with the 12 months post-index period. Total ED visits and ED visit costs decreased by 8% and 35%, respectively, for the overall cohort over the 12-month period pre- and post-index. Conclusion: Using US claims databases, nusinersen treatment in pediatric and adult patients was associated with reductions in HRU and costs over a 12-month period post-treatment initiation relative to the pre-treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhu
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Craig Zaidman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Jiang Y, Wang Y, Xiong H, Li W, Luo R, Chen W, Yin F, Lü J, Liang J, Chen WJ, Lu X, Wang H, Tang J, Monine M, Makepeace C, Jin X, Foster R, Chin R, Berger Z. A Post-Marketing Surveillance Study of Nusinersen for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Routine Medical Practice in China: Interim Results. Adv Ther 2024; 41:2743-2756. [PMID: 38722537 PMCID: PMC11213752 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02852-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, autosomal recessive, neuromuscular disease that leads to progressive muscular weakness and atrophy. Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, was approved for SMA in China in February 2019. We report interim results from a post-marketing surveillance phase 4 study, PANDA (NCT04419233), that collects data on the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of nusinersen in children with SMA in routine clinical practice in China. METHODS Participants enrolled in PANDA will be observed for 2 years following nusinersen treatment initiation. The primary endpoint is the incidence of adverse events (AEs)/serious AEs (SAEs) during the treatment period. Efficacy assessments include World Health Organization (WHO) Motor Milestones assessment, the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), and ventilation support. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of nusinersen are measured at each dose visit. RESULTS Fifty participants were enrolled as of the January 4, 2023, data cutoff: 10 with infantile-onset (≤ 6 months) and 40 with later-onset (> 6 months) SMA. All 50 participants have received at least one dose of nusinersen; 6 have completed the study. AEs were experienced by 45 (90%) participants and were mostly mild/moderate; no AEs led to nusinersen discontinuation or study withdrawal. Eleven participants experienced SAEs, most commonly pneumonia (n = 9); none were considered related to study treatment. Stability or gain of WHO motor milestone was observed and mean HINE-2 scores improved in both subgroups throughout the study. No serious respiratory events occurred, and no permanent ventilation support was initiated during the study. Pre-dose nusinersen CSF concentrations increased steadily through the loading-dose period, with no accumulation in plasma after multiple doses. CONCLUSION Nusinersen was generally well tolerated with an acceptable overall safety profile, consistent with the known safety of nusinersen. Efficacy, safety, and nusinersen exposure are consistent with prior observations. These results support continuing PANDA and evaluation of nusinersen in Chinese participants with SMA. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04419233.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwu Jiang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Luo
- West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenxiong Chen
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junlan Lü
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmin Liang
- The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xinguo Lu
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jihong Tang
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Russell Chin
- Biogen, 225 Binney St, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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Lilien C, Vrscaj E, Thapaliya G, Deconinck N, De Waele L, Duong T, Haberlová J, Kumhera M, Peirens G, Szabo L, Tahon V, Tang WJ, Benmhammed N, Médard L, Servais L. Patients' Perceptions of Nusinersen Effects According to Their Responder Status. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3418. [PMID: 38929947 PMCID: PMC11205004 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treated with a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) are often classified as responders or non-responders based on the attainment of a specific improvement threshold on validated functional scales. This categorization may significantly impact treatment reimbursement in some countries. The aim of this research is to evaluate the perception of treatments and their benefit by patients considered as responders or non-responders. Methods: In this non-commercial multicenter study, 99 post-symptomatically treated SMA type I-III patients with a median age of 11.2 (0.39-57.4) years at treatment initiation were stratified into three groups based on their treatment outcomes, i.e., those exhibiting clinically significant improvement (N = 41), those with non-clinically significant improvement (N = 18), or those showing no improvement (N = 40). Fifteen months after treatment, the initiation patients or patients' caregivers were assessed using a patient-rated scoring system based on the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale, comprising 22 questions targeting important aspects and tasks in the daily life of patients with SMA. Results: We found no statistical difference in the patient perception of treatment benefits in 17 out of 22 domains across patient groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that functional motor scales do not recapitulate patients' and patients' caregivers' experience of the effect of nusinersen treatment in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lilien
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (C.L.); (G.T.)
| | - Eva Vrscaj
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liege & University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (E.V.); (N.B.); (L.M.)
- Department for Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Bohoričeva 20, 1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gita Thapaliya
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (C.L.); (G.T.)
| | - Nicolas Deconinck
- NMRC UZ Gent, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (V.T.)
- Neuromuscular Reference Center and Department of Paediatric Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, HUB, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.D.W.); (G.P.)
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tina Duong
- John W. Day Lab, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, University of Stanford, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (T.D.); (W.J.T.)
| | - Jana Haberlová
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 150 06 Praha, Czech Republic; (J.H.); (M.K.)
| | - Markéta Kumhera
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 150 06 Praha, Czech Republic; (J.H.); (M.K.)
| | - Geertrui Peirens
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.D.W.); (G.P.)
| | - Lena Szabo
- Paediatric Center, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Valentine Tahon
- NMRC UZ Gent, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (V.T.)
| | - Whitney J. Tang
- John W. Day Lab, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, University of Stanford, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (T.D.); (W.J.T.)
| | - Noor Benmhammed
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liege & University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (E.V.); (N.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Laurie Médard
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liege & University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (E.V.); (N.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (C.L.); (G.T.)
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liege & University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (E.V.); (N.B.); (L.M.)
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12
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Brakemeier S, Lipka J, Schlag M, Kleinschnitz C, Hagenacker T. Risdiplam improves subjective swallowing quality in non-ambulatory adult patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy despite advanced motor impairment. J Neurol 2024; 271:2649-2657. [PMID: 38358553 PMCID: PMC11055773 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons with consecutive weakness and atrophy of the limb, respiratory, and bulbar muscles. While trunk and limb motor function improve or stabilize in adults with SMA under nusinersen and risdiplam treatment, the efficacy on bulbar function in this age group of patients remains uncertain. However, it is important to assess bulbar dysfunction, which frequently occurs in the disease course and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS Bulbar function was evaluated prospectively in 25 non-ambulatory adults with type 2 and 3 SMA before and 4 and 12 months after risdiplam treatment initiation using the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ) and the bulbar subscore of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised (b-ALSFRS-R). Extremity function was assessed using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) and Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM). RESULTS Subjective swallowing quality, measured with the SSQ, improved after 12 months of therapy with risdiplam. For the b-ALSFRS-R, a non-significant trend towards improvement was observed. The RULM score improved after 12 months of risdiplam therapy, but not the HFMSE score. HFMSE and RULM scores did not correlate with the SSQ but the b-ALSFRS-R score at baseline. CONCLUSIONS The improvement in subjective swallowing quality under risdiplam treatment, despite an advanced disease stage with severe motor deficits, strengthens the importance of a standardized bulbar assessment in addition to established motor scores. This may reveal relevant treatment effects and help individualize treatment decisions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - J Lipka
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - M Schlag
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - C Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - T Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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13
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Weber C, Müller A, Freigang M, von der Hagen M, Günther R. 'Reading the palm' - A pilot study of grip and finger flexion strength as an outcome measure in 5q spinal muscular atrophy. Brain Dev 2024; 46:189-198. [PMID: 38331667 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovative RNA modifying and gene replacement therapies are currently revolutionizing the therapeutic landscape in 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In order to provide individual recommendations for choice of treatment and therapy (dis-) continuation, objective outcome measures are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether maximum isometric voluntary grip and finger flexion strength is a useful sensitive outcome measure in children and adult patients with SMA. METHODS In this non-interventional, longitudinal pilot study, we assessed grip and finger flexion strength on 39 patients with SMA II and III (n = 16 children, mean age = 10.0; n = 23 adults, mean age = 38.4) using the Weber hand and finger dynamometer HFD 200. Grip and finger flexion strength, clinical examinations and motor function scores (Revised Upper Limb Module, Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded) were assessed over a 12-month treatment period concurrent with the nusinersen treatment. RESULTS Grip and finger flexion strength was highly associated with motor function and disease severity, SMA type and SMN2 copy number. During nusinersen treatment, grip and finger flexion strength significantly increased in children and adults with SMA. CONCLUSION Grip and finger flexion strength measured with the HFD 200 is a promising sensitive outcome measure for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Weber
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Anne Müller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Maren Freigang
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Maja von der Hagen
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Zambon AA, Falzone YM, Bolino A, Previtali SC. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:198. [PMID: 38678519 PMCID: PMC11056344 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05229-9] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases encompass a heterogeneous array of disorders characterized by varying onset ages, clinical presentations, severity, and progression. While these conditions can stem from acquired or inherited causes, this review specifically focuses on disorders arising from genetic abnormalities, excluding metabolic conditions. The pathogenic defect may primarily affect the anterior horn cells, the axonal or myelin component of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, or skeletal and/or cardiac muscles. While inherited neuromuscular disorders have been historically deemed not treatable, the advent of gene-based and molecular therapies is reshaping the treatment landscape for this group of condition. With the caveat that many products still fail to translate the positive results obtained in pre-clinical models to humans, both the technological development (e.g., implementation of tissue-specific vectors) as well as advances on the knowledge of pathogenetic mechanisms form a collective foundation for potentially curative approaches to these debilitating conditions. This review delineates the current panorama of therapies targeting the most prevalent forms of inherited neuromuscular diseases, emphasizing approved treatments and those already undergoing human testing, offering insights into the state-of-the-art interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Andrea Zambon
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bolino
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Institute for Experimental Neurology, Inspe, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Wurster CD, Uzelac Z, Dreyhaupt J, Schuster J, Dorst J, Ludolph AC, Wollinsky K. Respiratory function in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen - a monocenter observational study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1372674. [PMID: 38633535 PMCID: PMC11021633 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1372674] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/objective Insufficiency of respiratory muscles is the most important reason for mortality in the natural history of SMA. Thus, improvement or stabilization of respiratory function by disease-modifying therapies (DMT) is a very important issue. Methods We examined respiratory function using forced vital capacity (FVC) in 42 adult SMA patients (2 SMA type 1, 15 SMA type 2, 24 SMA type 3, 1 SMA type 4, median age 37 years, range 17-61 years) treated with nusinersen for a median of 22.1 months (range 2.1 to 46.7 months). Change in FVC was assessed using mixed effects linear regression models. Results Baseline FVC differed significantly between SMA type 1 (4.0, 8.0%), 2 (median 22.0%, IQR 18.0-44.0), 3 (median 81.0%, IQR 67.0-90.8) and, respectively, type 4 (84.0%) patients reflecting the heterogeneity of respiratory impairment based on the SMA type in adulthood (p < 0.0001). FVC remained stable during follow-up (mean -0.047, 95% CI -0.115 to 0.020, p = 0.17); however, subgroup analysis showed an increase in FVC of type 2 patients (mean 0.144, 95% CI 0.086 to 0.202, p < 0.0001) and a decrease in FVC of type 3/4 patients (-0.142, 95% CI -0.239 to -0.044, p = 0.005). Conclusion The observed improvement in FVC in patients with SMA type 2 can be seen as a therapeutic response differing from the progressive decline typically seen in the spontaneous course. For SMA type 3/4 patients approaching normal spirometry at baseline, FVC may only be of limited use as an outcome parameter due to ceiling effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Diana Wurster
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zeljko Uzelac
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Joachim Schuster
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert Christian Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Kurt Wollinsky
- Department of Anesthesiology, RKU, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Andrés-Benito P, Vázquez-Costa JF, Ñungo Garzón NC, Colomina MJ, Marco C, González L, Terrafeta C, Domínguez R, Ferrer I, Povedano M. Neurodegeneration Biomarkers in Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patients Treated with Nusinersen. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3810. [PMID: 38612621 PMCID: PMC11011665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders in adult SMA patients and their potential for monitoring the response to nusinersen. Biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders were assessed in plasma and CSF samples obtained from a total of 30 healthy older adult controls and 31 patients with adult SMA type 2 and 3. The samples were collected before and during nusinersen treatment at various time points, approximately at 2, 6, 10, and 22 months. Using ELISA technology, the levels of total tau, pNF-H, NF-L, sAPPβ, Aβ40, Aβ42, and YKL-40 were evaluated in CSF samples. Additionally, plasma samples were used to measure NF-L and total tau levels using SIMOA technology. SMA patients showed improvements in clinical outcomes after nusinersen treatment, which were statistically significant only in walkers, in RULM (p = 0.04) and HFMSE (p = 0.05) at 24 months. A reduction in sAPPβ levels was found after nusinersen treatment, but these levels did not correlate with clinical outcomes. Other neurodegeneration biomarkers (NF-L, pNF-H, total tau, YKL-40, Aβ40, and Aβ42) were not found consistently changed with nusinersen treatment. The slow progression rate and mild treatment response of adult SMA types 2 and 3 may not lead to detectable changes in common markers of axonal degradation, inflammation, or neurodegeneration, since it does not involve large pools of damaged neurons as observed in pediatric forms. However, changes in biomarkers associated with the APP processing pathway might be linked to treatment administration. Further studies are warranted to better understand these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Andrés-Benito
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Vázquez-Costa
- Neuromuscular Unit and ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe and IIS La Fe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46021 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nancy Carolina Ñungo Garzón
- Neuromuscular Unit and ERN-NMD Group, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe and IIS La Fe, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - María J. Colomina
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Department, Bellvitge University Hospital-University of Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Marco
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura González
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Terrafeta
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Domínguez
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Neuropathology Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Povedano
- Neurologic Diseases and Neurogenetics Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Functional Unit of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (UFELA), Department of Neurology, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Côté I, Hodgkinson V, Nury M, Bastenier-Boutin L, Rodrigue X. A Real-World Study of Nusinersen Effects in Adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and 3. Can J Neurol Sci 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38532567 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2024.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive genetic disorder characterized by muscle weakness ultimately leading to pulmonary impairments that can be fatal. The recent approval of nusinersen, a disease-modifying therapy, substantially changed the prognosis for patients, particularly in children. However, real-world evidence about its long-term effectiveness in adults remains limited. This study aimed to document longitudinal data on motor function, pulmonary function and patient-reported outcome measures of Canadian adults with SMA type 2 and 3 treated with nusinersen. METHODS Outcomes from 17 patients were collected at the Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec during routine clinical visits over 36 months post nusinersen treatment, using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded for SMA (HFMSE), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Adult Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-ATEND), SMA functional rating scale (SMAFRS), pulmonary function testing and subjective changes reported by patients. RESULTS After 36 months, 9 patients showed motor function improvement. Changes beyond the minimal clinically important difference were seen for four patients on the HFMSE, four patients on the RULM and five patients on the 6MWT. Pulmonary function remained stable for most subjects. Subjective positive changes were reported in 88% of patients and five patients showed improvement in the SMAFRS. CONCLUSION This real-world study demonstrates the positive effects of nusinersen in adults with SMA types 2 and 3. Although stabilizing the patient's condition is considered therapeutic success, this study shows an improvement in motor function and subjective gains in several patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Côté
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Saguenay, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Hodgkinson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Marianne Nury
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Louis Bastenier-Boutin
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Xavier Rodrigue
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale (CIRRIS), Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec (IRDPQ), Québec, QC, Canada
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Milev E, Selby V, Wolfe A, Rohwer A, Tillmann R, Ramsey D, Iodice M, Hogrel JY, Baranello G, Scoto M, Muntoni F. Assessment of the upper limb function, strength, and mobility in treatment-naive children with spinal muscular atrophy Types 2 and 3. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:340-348. [PMID: 38238963 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28041] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Current upper limb assessments in pediatric spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may not adequately capture change with disease progression. Our aim was to examine the relationship between motor function, strength, and hand/finger mobility of the upper limb in treatment-naïve children with SMA Types 2 and 3 to assess new methods to supplement current outcomes. METHODS The Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), grip and pinch strength, and hand/finger mobility data were collected from 19 children with SMA Types 2 and 3 aged 5.2-16.9 years over a year. RESULTS A median loss between 0.5 and 2.5 points in the RULM was seen across all SMA subgroups with the biggest median loss recorded between 10 and 14 years of age. The grip strength loss was -0.06 kg (-4.69 to 3.49; IQR, 1.21); pinch improvement of 0.05 (-0.65 to 1.27; IQR, 0.48); hand/finger mobility test improvement of 4 points (-24 to 14; IQR, 6.75) for the whole cohort. Significant correlations were found between the RULM and grip strength (p < .001), RULM and pinch strength (p < .001), RULM and revised Brooke (p < .001), grip strength and pinch strength (p < .001). DISCUSSION The combined use of the RULM, dynamometry, and hand mobility provide insight about correlations between function and strength in children with SMA. The RULM and grip strength assessments captured a significant decline in upper limb function, whereas the pinch and finger/hand mobility showed an improvement over the course of 1 year and these results should be considered for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Milev
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Victoria Selby
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amy Wolfe
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Annemarie Rohwer
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Danielle Ramsey
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK
| | - Mario Iodice
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jean-Yves Hogrel
- Neuromuscular Physiology and Evaluation Laboratory, Neuromuscular Investigation Centre, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mariacristina Scoto
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Şimşek Erdem N, Güneş Gencer GY, Alaamel A, Uysal H. Effect of nusinersen treatment on quality of life and motor function in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 36:28-32. [PMID: 38310720 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.01.005] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 4 loading doses of nusinersen on motor function and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Twenty-one adult patients with genetically confirmed SMA who were treated with 4 loading doses of nusinersen were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), and the Short Form Survey-36 (SF-36) at baseline (V1) and before the first nusinersen maintenance treatment, which was at the 15th month of treatment (V2). The SF-36 score was compared between the patients and 35 age-matched healthy controls. Of the twenty-one patients with a median age of 36 years, 10 were nonambulatory, and 11 were ambulatory. The physical component score and the mental component score of the SF-36 were significantly lower in the SMA patient group at baseline than in the healthy group. The median HFMSE scores significantly improved at V2 in both ambulatory and nonambulatory SMA patients (p < 0.05). The median MRC score significantly increased at V2 in the ambulatory SMA patient group (p = 0.04) but not in the nonambulatory SMA patient group (p = 0.19). There was a significant improvement in physical QoL in all the SMA patients at V2 (p = 0.02), but there was no significant improvement in mental QoL (p = 0.15). The loading nusinersen treatment significantly improved motor function scores, muscle strength, and physical QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abir Alaamel
- Akdeniz University Hospital Department of Neurology, Türkiye
| | - Hilmi Uysal
- Akdeniz University Hospital Department of Neurology, Türkiye
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20
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Salort-Campana E, Solé G, Magot A, Tard C, Noury JB, Behin A, De La Cruz E, Boyer F, Lefeuvre C, Masingue M, Debergé L, Finet A, Brison M, Spinazzi M, Pegat A, Sacconi S, Malfatti E, Choumert A, Bellance R, Bedat-Millet AL, Feasson L, Vuillerot C, Jacquin-Piques A, Michaud M, Pereon Y, Stojkovic T, Laforêt P, Attarian S, Cintas P. Multidisciplinary team meetings in treatment of spinal muscular atrophy adult patients: a real-life observatory for innovative treatments. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:24. [PMID: 38268028 PMCID: PMC10809505 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-03008-6] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, a new treatment by nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide delivered by repeated intrathecal injections, became available for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), whereas clinical trials had mainly involved children. Since 2020, the oral, selective SMN2-splicing modifier risdiplam has been available with restrictions evolving with time. In this peculiar context of lack of data regarding adult patients, many questions were raised to define the indications of treatment and the appropriate follow-up in this population. To homogenize access to treatment in France, a national multidisciplinary team meeting dedicated to adult SMA patients, named SMA multidisciplinary team meeting, (SMDTs) was created in 2018. Our objective was to analyze the value of SMDTs in the decision-making process in SMA adult patients and to provide guidelines about treatment. METHODS From October 2020 to September 2021, data extracted from the SMDT reports were collected. The primary outcome was the percentage of cases in which recommendations on validating treatment plans were given. The secondary outcomes were type of treatment requested, description of expectations regarding treatment and description of recommendations or follow-up and discontinuation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Comparisons between the type of treatment requested were performed using Mann-Whitney test or the Student t test for quantitative data and the Fisher's exact test or the χ2 test for qualitative data. RESULTS Cases of 107 patients were discussed at the SMDTs with a mean age of 35.3 (16-62). Forty-seven were SMA type 2, and 57 SMA type 3. Twelve cases were presented twice. Out of 122 presentations to the SMDTs, most of requests related to the initiation of a treatment (nusinersen (n = 46), risdiplam (n = 54), treatment without mentioning preferred choice (n = 5)) or a switch of treatment (n = 12). Risdiplam requests concerned significantly older patients (p = 0.002), mostly SMA type 2 (p < 0.0001), with greater disease severity in terms of motor and respiratory function compared to requests for nusinersen. In the year prior to presentation to the SMDTs, most of the patients experienced worsening of motor weakness assessed by functional tests as MFM32 or other meaningful scales for the most severe patients. Only 12% of the patients discussed had a stable condition. Only 49/122 patients (40.1%) expressed clear expectations regarding treatment. The treatment requested was approved by the SMDTs in 72 patients (67.2%). The most common reasons to decline treatment were lack of objective data on the disease course prior discussion to the SMDTs or inappropriate patient's expectations. Treatment requests were more likely to be validated by the SMDTs if sufficient pre-therapeutic functional assessment had been performed to assess the natural history (55% vs. 32%) and if the patient had worsening rather than stable motor function (p = 0.029). In patients with approved treatment, a-priori criteria to define a further ineffectiveness of treatment (usually after 14 months of treatment) were proposed for 67/72 patients. CONCLUSIONS In the context of costly treatments with few controlled studies in adults with SMA, in whom assessment of efficacy can be complex, SMDTs are 'real-world observatories' of great interest to establish national recommendations about indications of treatment and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Salort-Campana
- Service de Neurologie du Pr Attarian, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires PACA Réunion Rhône Alpes, Timone University Hospital, Aix-Marseille University, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France.
- Inserm UMR_S 910 Medical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France.
| | - Guilhem Solé
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires AOC, Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Armelle Magot
- Laboratoire d'Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôtel-Dieu, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires AOC, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Tard
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord Est Ile de France, Lille, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Noury
- Reference Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases AOC, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Behin
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, Institut de Myologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Elisa De La Cruz
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires AOC, CHU et Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - François Boyer
- Pôle de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Hôpital Universitaire Reims-Champagne-Ardenne, CHU Sébastopol, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord Est Ile de France, Reims, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Claire Lefeuvre
- Nord-Est-Ile-de-France, Service de Neurologie, FHU Phenix, Centre de Référence de Pathologie Neuromusculaire, Raymond Poincaré University Hospital, Garches, APHP, Garches, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Masingue
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, Institut de Myologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Louise Debergé
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires AOC, Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Armelle Finet
- Service de Neurologie du Pr Attarian, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires PACA Réunion Rhône Alpes, Timone University Hospital, Aix-Marseille University, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Mélanie Brison
- Centre de Réference des Maladies Neuromusculaires PACA Réunion Rhône Alpes Service de Neurologie, CHU de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Étienne, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Marco Spinazzi
- Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Antoine Pegat
- Service de Neurologie C, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, 69500, Bron, France
- Service d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Neurologiques, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, 69500, Bron, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Sabrina Sacconi
- Service Système Nerveux Périphérique & Muscle, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires PACA Réunion Rhône Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Edoardo Malfatti
- APHP, Centre de Référence de Pathologie Neuromusculaire Nord-Est-Ile-de-France, Henri Mondor Hospital, University Paris-Est, Créteil, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Ariane Choumert
- Department of Rare Neurological Diseases, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires PACA Réunion Rhône Alpes, CHU de la Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Rémi Bellance
- CeRCa, Site Constitutif de Centre de Référence Caribéen des Maladies Neuromusculaires Rares, CHU de Martinique, Hôpital P. Zobda-Quitman, Fort-de-France, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | | | - Léonard Feasson
- Physiology and Exercise Laboratory EA4338, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires PACA Réunion Rhône Alpes, Rhône-Alpes Bellevue Hospital, University Hospital Center of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Carole Vuillerot
- Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation Pédiatrique, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677, Bron Cedex, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Agnès Jacquin-Piques
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Maud Michaud
- Department of Neurology, Nancy University Hospital, Nancy, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Yann Pereon
- Laboratoire d'Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôtel-Dieu, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires AOC, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Tanya Stojkovic
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, Institut de Myologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Laforêt
- Nord-Est-Ile-de-France, Service de Neurologie, FHU Phenix, Centre de Référence de Pathologie Neuromusculaire, Raymond Poincaré University Hospital, Garches, APHP, Garches, France
- UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Shahram Attarian
- Service de Neurologie du Pr Attarian, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires PACA Réunion Rhône Alpes, Timone University Hospital, Aix-Marseille University, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
- Inserm UMR_S 910 Medical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Cintas
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Toulouse Purpan, Place du Docteur Baylac TSA 40031, 8. Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires AOC, 31059, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
- FILNEMUS, Marseille, France
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Otto LA, Froeling M, van Eijk RP, Wadman RI, Cuppen I, van der Woude DR, Bartels B, Asselman FL, Hendrikse J, van der Pol WL. Monitoring Nusinersen Treatment Effects in Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Quantitative Muscle MRI. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:91-101. [PMID: 38073395 PMCID: PMC10789331 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221671] [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] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by deficiency of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Intrathecal nusinersen treatment increases SMN protein in motor neurons and has been shown to improve motor function in symptomatic children with SMA. OBJECTIVE We used quantitative MRI to gain insight in microstructure and fat content of muscle during treatment and to explore its use as biomarker for treatment effect. METHODS We used a quantitative MRI protocol before start of treatment and following the 4th and 6th injection of nusinersen in 8 children with SMA type 2 and 3 during the first year of treatment. The MR protocol allowed DIXON, T2 mapping and diffusion tensor imaging acquisitions. We also assessed muscle strength and motor function scores. RESULTS Fat fraction of all thigh muscles with the exception of the m. adductor longus increased in all patients during treatment (+3.2%, p = 0.02). WaterT2 showed no significant changes over time (-0.7 ms, p = 0.3). DTI parameters MD and AD demonstrate a significant decrease in the hamstrings towards values observed in healthy muscle. CONCLUSIONS Thigh muscles of children with SMA treated with nusinersen showed ongoing fatty infiltration and possible normalization of thigh muscle microstructure during the first year of nusinersen treatment. Quantitative muscle MRI shows potential as biomarker for the effects of SMA treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A.M. Otto
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M. Froeling
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben P.A. van Eijk
- Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renske I. Wadman
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Cuppen
- Department of Neurology and Child Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danny R. van der Woude
- Department of Child Development and Exercise Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Bartels
- Department of Child Development and Exercise Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Fay-Lynn Asselman
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W. Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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22
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Arteaga-Bracho E, Cosne G, Kanzler C, Karatsidis A, Mazzà C, Penalver-Andres J, Zhu C, Shen C, Erb M K, Freigang M, Lapp HS, Thiele S, Wenninger S, Jung E, Petri S, Weiler M, Kleinschnitz C, Walter MC, Günther R, Campbell N, Belachew S, Hagenacker T. Smartphone-Based Assessment of Mobility and Manual Dexterity in Adult People with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:1049-1065. [PMID: 38995798 PMCID: PMC11380318 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-240004] [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] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Background More responsive, reliable, and clinically valid endpoints of disability are essential to reduce size, duration, and burden of clinical trials in adult persons with spinal muscular atrophy (aPwSMA). Objective The aim is to investigate the feasibility of smartphone-based assessments in aPwSMA and provide evidence on the reliability and construct validity of sensor-derived measures (SDMs) of mobility and manual dexterity collected remotely in aPwSMA. Methods Data were collected from 59 aPwSMA (23 walkers, 20 sitters and 16 non-sitters) and 30 age-matched healthy controls (HC). SDMs were extracted from five smartphone-based tests capturing mobility and manual dexterity, which were administered in-clinic and remotely in daily life for four weeks. Reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients, ICC) and construct validity (ability to discriminate between HC and aPwSMA and correlations with Revised Upper Limb Module, RULM and Hammersmith Functional Scale - Expanded HFMSE) were quantified for all SDMs. Results The smartphone-based assessments proved feasible, with 92.1% average adherence in aPwSMA. The SDMs allowed to reliably assess both mobility and dexterity (ICC > 0.75 for 14/22 SDMs). Twenty-one out of 22 SDMs significantly discriminated between HC and aPwSMA. The highest correlations with the RULM were observed for SDMs from the manual dexterity tests in both non-sitters (Typing, ρ= 0.78) and sitters (Pinching, ρ= 0.75). In walkers, the highest correlation was between mobility tests and HFMSE (5 U-Turns, ρ= 0.79). Conclusions This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence for the usability of smartphone-based assessments of mobility and manual dexterity in aPwSMA when deployed remotely in participants' daily life. Reliability and construct validity of SDMs remotely collected in real-life was demonstrated, which is a pre-requisite for their use in longitudinal trials. Additionally, three novel smartphone-based performance outcome assessments were successfully established for aPwSMA. Upon further validation of responsiveness to interventions, this technology holds potential to increase the efficiency of clinical trials in aPwSMA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cong Zhu
- Biogen Digital Health, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Changyu Shen
- Biogen Digital Health, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kelley Erb M
- Biogen Digital Health, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Maren Freigang
- Department of Neurology, Dresden University Hospital, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hanna-Sophie Lapp
- Department of Neurology, Dresden University Hospital, Dresden, Germany
| | - Simone Thiele
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Wenninger
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erik Jung
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Weiler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, Dresden University Hospital, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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23
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Tang WJ, Gu B, Montalvo S, Dunaway Young S, Parker DM, de Monts C, Ataide P, Ni Ghiollagain N, Wheeler MT, Tesi Rocha C, Christle JW, He Z, Day JW, Duong T. Assessing the Assisted Six-Minute Cycling Test as a Measure of Endurance in Non-Ambulatory Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). J Clin Med 2023; 12:7582. [PMID: 38137651 PMCID: PMC10743820 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing endurance in non-ambulatory individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has been challenging due to limited evaluation tools. The Assisted 6-Minute Cycling Test (A6MCT) is an upper limb ergometer assessment used in other neurologic disorders to measure endurance. To study the performance of the A6MCT in the non-ambulatory SMA population, prospective data was collected on 38 individuals with SMA (13 sitters; 25 non-sitters), aged 5 to 74 years (mean = 30.3; SD = 14.1). The clinical measures used were A6MCT, Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), Adapted Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (ATEND), and Egen Klassifikation Scale 2 (EK2). Perceived fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and effort was assessed using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Data were analyzed for: (1) Feasibility, (2) Clinical discrimination, and (3) Associations between A6MCT with clinical characteristics and outcomes. Results showed the A6MCT was feasible for 95% of the tested subjects, discriminated between functional groups (p = 0.0086), and was significantly associated with results obtained from RULM, ATEND, EK2, and Brooke (p < 0.0001; p = 0.029; p < 0.001; p = 0.005). These findings indicate the A6MCT's potential to evaluate muscular endurance in non-ambulatory SMA individuals, complementing clinician-rated assessments. Nevertheless, further validation with a larger dataset is needed for broader application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney J. Tang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Bo Gu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Samuel Montalvo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (S.M.); (J.W.C.)
| | - Sally Dunaway Young
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Dana M. Parker
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Constance de Monts
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Paxton Ataide
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Noirin Ni Ghiollagain
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Matthew T. Wheeler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (S.M.); (J.W.C.)
| | - Carolina Tesi Rocha
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Christle
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (S.M.); (J.W.C.)
| | - Zihuai He
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - John W. Day
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Tina Duong
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (W.J.T.); (S.D.Y.); (C.T.R.); (Z.H.); (J.W.D.)
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24
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Kelly KM, Mizell J, Bigdeli L, Paul S, Tellez MA, Bartlett A, Heintzman S, Reynolds JE, Sterling GB, Rajneesh KF, Kolb SJ, Elsheikh B, Arnold WD. Differential impact on motor unit characteristics across severities of adult spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:2208-2222. [PMID: 37735861 PMCID: PMC10723249 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypotheses that decomposition electromyography (dEMG) motor unit action potential (MUAP) amplitude and firing rate are altered in SMA; dEMG parameters are associated with strength and function; dEMG parameters are correlated with traditional electrophysiological assessments. METHODS Ambulatory and non-ambulatory adults with SMA on nusinersen and healthy controls were enrolled. MUAPs were decomposed from multielectrode surface recordings during 30-s maximum contraction of the abductor digiti minimi (ADM). Isometric strength, upper limb function, patient-reported function, and standard electrophysiologic measures of the ADM (compound muscle action potential [CMAP], single motor unit potential [SMUP], motor unit number estimation [MUNE]) were collected. RESULTS dEMG MUAP amplitudes were higher in ambulatory versus control and non-ambulatory groups and were higher in controls versus non-ambulatory SMA. In contrast, dEMG firing rates were higher in ambulatory versus non-ambulatory and control groups but similar between non-ambulatory and control. dEMG parameters showed moderate to strong positive correlation with strength and function whereas CMAP and MUNE better correlated with function than strength. SMUP did not correlate with strength, function, or dEMG MUAP amplitude. dEMG parameters show overall good test-retest reliability. INTERPRETATION dEMG provided reliable, noninvasive measure of MUAP amplitude size and firing rate and revealed divergent patterns across disease severity in adults with SMA. Firing rate enhancement, as seen in milder SMA, may provide a therapeutic avenue for improving function in more severe SMA, where firing rates appear preserved. MUAP amplitude size and firing rate, quantified with dEMG, may be promising monitoring biomarker candidates for noninvasive assessment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Marie Kelly
- Department of Physical Medicine & RehabilitationUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMOUSA
- NextGen Precision HealthUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMOUSA
| | - Jordan Mizell
- College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Ladan Bigdeli
- College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Samuel Paul
- College of MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Marco Antonio Tellez
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOHUSA
| | - Amy Bartlett
- Center for Clinical and Translational ScienceThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOHUSA
| | - Sarah Heintzman
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOHUSA
| | | | - Gary Brent Sterling
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOHUSA
| | | | - Stephen James Kolb
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOHUSA
| | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOHUSA
| | - William David Arnold
- Department of Physical Medicine & RehabilitationUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMOUSA
- NextGen Precision HealthUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMOUSA
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25
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Trucco F, Salmin F, Lizio A, Coratti G, Albamonte E, Frisoni MC, Mauro L, Carraro E, Palazzo G, Lops J, Cattaneo C, Pozzi S, Casiraghi J, Di Bari A, Berti B, Stanca G, Ricci M, Pane M, Heatwole C, Dilek N, Mercuri E, Sansone VA. Assessing Prevalence and Characteristics of Oro-bulbar Involvement in Children and Adults with SMA Type 2 and 3 Using a Multimodal Approach. Dysphagia 2023; 38:1568-1580. [PMID: 37289231 PMCID: PMC10611831 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10584-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bulbar and jaw muscles are impaired in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) but the assessment of their severity and progression are limited by the lack of age-appropriate and disease-specific measures. We investigated mastication and swallowing in children and adults with SMA, sitters and walkers. In a 2-year multicentre cross-sectional prospective study, lip and tongue strength (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument), chewing and swallowing (Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids), active mouth opening (aMMO) were compared to age-appropriate normative data. The perceived burden of oro-bulbar involvement (SMA-Health Index) was recorded. 78 patients were included, 45 children (median age 7.4 years),22 adults (median age 26.8 years) on nusinersen and 11 untreated (median age 32.7 years). Forty-three percent children had reduced mouth opening, 50% had prolonged total time to eat. These issues were more prominent in sitters than in walkers (p = 0.019, p = 0.014). Sixty-six percent needed increased swallows for bolus clearance. Nusinersen treated adults had median aMMO, tongue strength and total time at TOMASS values within normal range (z score: -1.40, -1.22, -1.32, respectively) whereas untreated adults had reduced aMMO (z score: -2.68) and tongue strength (z score: -2.20). Only a minority of children (2/17) and treated adults (5/21) reported burden in swallowing or mastication compared to all untreated adults (5/5). After 16 months, mastication and swallowing were stable in treated children and adults, whether sitters or walkers. The reported multimodal approach to assess oro-bulbar functions demonstrate that swallowing and mastication are impaired in SMA despite patients' perception. These results suggest a trend towards stabilization of oro-bulbar function in patients on long-term treatment with nusinersen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Trucco
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, The NeMo Clinical Center in Milan, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Dept Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Andrea Lizio
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Mauro
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Carraro
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Jessica Lops
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Pozzi
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Beatrice Berti
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Stanca
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Ricci
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chad Heatwole
- Center for Health and Technology (CHeT), The University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Nuran Dilek
- Center for Health and Technology (CHeT), The University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Ada Sansone
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, The NeMo Clinical Center in Milan, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy.
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Milan, Italy.
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26
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Vicino A, Bello L, Bonanno S, Govoni A, Cerri F, Ferraro M, Capece G, Gadaleta G, Meneri M, Vacchiano V, Ricci G, D'Errico E, Tramacere I, Banfi P, Bortolani S, Zanin R, Maioli MA, Silvestrini M, Previtali SC, Berardinelli A, Turri M, Coccia M, Mantegazza R, Liguori R, Filosto M, Siciliano G, Simone IL, Mongini T, Comi G, Pegoraro E, Maggi L. Respiratory function in a large cohort of treatment-naïve adult spinal muscular atrophy patients: a cross-sectional study. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:911-916. [PMID: 37945485 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.10.002] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to poor data in literature, we aimed to investigate the respiratory function in a large cohort of naïve Italian adult (≥18 years) SMA patients in a multi-centric cross-sectional study. The following respiratory parameters were considered: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV). We included 145 treatment-naïve adult patients (SMA2=18, SMA3=125; SMA4=2), 58 females (40 %), with median age at evaluation of 37 years (range 18-72). Fifty-six (37 %) and 41 (31 %) patients had abnormal (<80 %) values of FVC and FEV1, respectively. Fourteen (14 %) patients needed NIV, started at median age of 21 (range 4-68). Motor function, measured by Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded and Revised Upper Limb Module as well as SMA2, loss of walking ability, surgery for scoliosis, use of NIV, and cough assisting device (CAD) were all significantly associated to lower FVC and FEV1 values, while no association with age at baseline, disease duration, gender or 6 min walking test was observed, except for a correlation between FVC and age in SMA3 walkers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, respiratory function in adult SMA patients is relatively frequently impaired, substantially stable, and significantly correlated with motor function and disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Vicino
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disease Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, Milano 20133, Italy; Nerve-Muscle Unit, Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Bello
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disease Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Alessandra Govoni
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milano, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Cerri
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & INSPE, San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Manfredi Ferraro
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuliana Capece
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulio Gadaleta
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Veria Vacchiano
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eustachio D'Errico
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Policlinico of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Banfi
- Heart-Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bortolani
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zanin
- Developmental Neurology, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Silvestrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Universita Politecnica delle Marche Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ancona, Italy; Department of Neurological Sciences, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & INSPE, San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Angela Berardinelli
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C Mondino Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mara Turri
- Department of Neurology/Stroke Unit, Bolzano Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Michela Coccia
- Department of Neurological Sciences, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disease Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Universita degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy; NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabella Laura Simone
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Policlinico of Bari, Bari, Italy; School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mongini
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giacomo Comi
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milano, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disease Unit, Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Via Celoria 11, Milano 20133, Italy.
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Valsecchi V, Errico F, Bassareo V, Marino C, Nuzzo T, Brancaccio P, Laudati G, Casamassa A, Grimaldi M, D'Amico A, Carta M, Bertini E, Pignataro G, D'Ursi AM, Usiello A. SMN deficiency perturbs monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism in spinal muscular atrophy. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1155. [PMID: 37957344 PMCID: PMC10643621 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond motor neuron degeneration, homozygous mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene cause multiorgan and metabolic defects in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, the precise biochemical features of these alterations and the age of onset in the brain and peripheral organs remain unclear. Using untargeted NMR-based metabolomics in SMA mice, we identify cerebral and hepatic abnormalities related to energy homeostasis pathways and amino acid metabolism, emerging already at postnatal day 3 (P3) in the liver. Through HPLC, we find that SMN deficiency induces a drop in cerebral norepinephrine levels in overt symptomatic SMA mice at P11, affecting the mRNA and protein expression of key genes regulating monoamine metabolism, including aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DβH) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). In support of the translational value of our preclinical observations, we also discovered that SMN upregulation increases cerebrospinal fluid norepinephrine concentration in Nusinersen-treated SMA1 patients. Our findings highlight a previously unrecognized harmful influence of low SMN levels on the expression of critical enzymes involved in monoamine metabolism, suggesting that SMN-inducing therapies may modulate catecholamine neurotransmission. These results may also be relevant for setting therapeutic approaches to counteract peripheral metabolic defects in SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80055, Portici, Italy
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Bassareo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Carmen Marino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Grimaldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D'Ursi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy.
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Beaudin M, Kamali T, Tang W, Hagerman KA, Dunaway Young S, Ghiglieri L, Parker DM, Lehallier B, Tesi-Rocha C, Sampson JB, Duong T, Day JW. Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteomic Changes after Nusinersen in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6696. [PMID: 37892834 PMCID: PMC10607664 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Disease-modifying treatments have transformed the natural history of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but the cellular pathways altered by SMN restoration remain undefined and biomarkers cannot yet precisely predict treatment response. We performed an exploratory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomic study in a diverse sample of SMA patients treated with nusinersen to elucidate therapeutic pathways and identify predictors of motor improvement. Proteomic analyses were performed on CSF samples collected before treatment (T0) and at 6 months (T6) using an Olink panel to quantify 1113 peptides. A supervised machine learning approach was used to identify proteins that discriminated patients who improved functionally from those who did not after 2 years of treatment. A total of 49 SMA patients were included (10 type 1, 18 type 2, and 21 type 3), ranging in age from 3 months to 65 years. Most proteins showed a decrease in CSF concentration at T6. The machine learning algorithm identified ARSB, ENTPD2, NEFL, and IFI30 as the proteins most predictive of improvement. The machine learning model was able to predict motor improvement at 2 years with 79.6% accuracy. The results highlight the potential application of CSF biomarkers to predict motor improvement following SMA treatment. Validation in larger datasets is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Beaudin
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Tahereh Kamali
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Whitney Tang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Katharine A. Hagerman
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Sally Dunaway Young
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Lisa Ghiglieri
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Dana M. Parker
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Benoit Lehallier
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
| | - Carolina Tesi-Rocha
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Jacinda B. Sampson
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Tina Duong
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - John W. Day
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA (T.K.); (W.T.); (K.A.H.); (B.L.); (C.T.-R.)
- Department of Neurology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
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Garofalo M, Bonanno S, Marcuzzo S, Pandini C, Scarian E, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Bordoni M, Parravicini S, Gellera C, Masson R, Dosi C, Zanin R, Pansarasa O, Cereda C, Berardinelli A, Gagliardi S. Preliminary insights into RNA in CSF of pediatric SMA patients after 6 months of nusinersen. Biol Direct 2023; 18:57. [PMID: 37705059 PMCID: PMC10498611 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00413-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal-recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, and consequent loss of function of SMN protein, which results in progressive loss of lower motor neurons, and muscular wasting. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) nusinersen (Spinraza®) modulates the pre-mRNA splicing of the SMN2 gene, allowing rebalance of biologically active SMN. It is administered intrathecally via lumbar puncture after removing an equal amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Its effect was proven beneficial and approved since 2017 for SMA treatment. Given the direct effect of nusinersen on RNA metabolism, the aim of this project was to evaluate cell-free RNA (cfRNA) in CSF of SMA patients under ASOs treatment for biomarker discovery. METHODS By RNA-sequencing approach, RNA obtained from CSF of pediatric SMA type 2 and 3 patients was processed after 6 months of nusinersen treatment, at fifth intrathecal injection (T6), and compared to baseline (T0). RESULTS We observed the deregulation of cfRNAs in patients at T6 and we were able to classify these RNAs into disease specific, treatment specific and treatment dependent. Moreover, we subdivided patients into "homogeneous" and "heterogeneous" according to their gene expression pattern. The "heterogeneous" group showed peculiar activation of genes coding for ribosomal components, meaning that in these patients a different molecular effect of nusinersen is observable, even if this specific molecular response was not referable to a clinical pattern. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary insights into modulation of gene expression dependent on nusinersen treatment and lays the foundation for biomarkers discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Bonanno
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - S Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - C Pandini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - E Scarian
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Dragoni
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - R Di Gerlando
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Bordoni
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Parravicini
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - R Masson
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - C Dosi
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - R Zanin
- Neurology IV-Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - C Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154, Milan, Italy
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Tachibana Y, Sato R, Makioka H, Hoshino M, Jin M. Safety and effectiveness of nusinersen, a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, in 524 patients: results from an interim analysis of post-marketing surveillance in Japan. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37649429 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2251662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). A post-marketing surveillance (PMS) has been ongoing (August 2017-August 2025) in all patients in Japan who were administered nusinersen intrathecally in real-world clinical settings. We report the interim analysis results for safety and effectiveness. METHODS This interim analysis was conducted using data collected from 524 patients whose case report forms were obtained at least once by May 30, 2022. Collected data included patient demographics and adverse events (AEs) for safety, and motor function assessments and Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I) for effectiveness. RESULTS Of the 524 patients in the safety analysis set, 522 patients who were diagnosed with SMA were included in the effectiveness analysis (infantile-onset SMA [n = 153, 29.3%], later-onset SMA [n = 369, 70.7%]). The median duration of treatment was 785.0 (range 1-1549) days. AEs occurred in 35.9% of patients (49.0% in infantile-onset SMA and 30.6% in later-onset SMA). Nusinersen treatment significantly improved Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination scores in patients with infantile-onset SMA and Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded scores in patients with later-onset SMA for up to nearly 3 years. Based on CGI-I assessments, 98.5-100% of patients receiving nusinersen 'improved' or remain 'unchanged'. CONCLUSIONS This interim analysis of the large-scale, all-case PMS in patients who were administered nusinersen in Japan supports the safety and effectiveness of nusinersen. The benefit-risk balance of nusinersen treatment remains favorable.
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Freigang M, Langner S, Hermann A, Günther R. Impaired diaphragmatic motility in treatment-naive adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy improved during nusinersen treatment. Muscle Nerve 2023; 68:278-285. [PMID: 37466180 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27938] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS The leading clinical feature of 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is symmetric, proximal muscle weakness. Muscles involved in ventilation exhibit a specific pattern of denervation: intercostal muscles are severely atrophic, whereas the diaphragm muscle is less affected. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of diaphragmatic function by ultrasound imaging in adult patients with SMA and to quantify dynamics of diaphragmatic function during nusinersen treatment. METHODS Diaphragmatic thickness, thickening, and excursion during quiet breathing were assessed in 24 adult patients with SMA type 2 and 3 by diaphragm ultrasound imaging before and during nusinersen treatment and were correlated with spirometric parameters. RESULTS Diaphragm thickness was not reduced, but increased in a remarkable proportion of patients, whereas diaphragm thickening and excursion were reduced in about 20% to 30% of nusinersen-naive, adult patients with SMA types 2 and 3. During 26 months of nusinersen treatment, diaphragm thickening fraction and excursion improved. DISCUSSION Diaphragm ultrasound imaging can provide disease- and treatment-relevant information that is not identified during routine clinical assessments and may therefore be a valuable complementary outcome measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Freigang
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Simona Langner
- Division of Pulmonology, Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel," Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Faravelli I, Gagliardi D, Abati E, Meneri M, Ongaro J, Magri F, Parente V, Petrozzi L, Ricci G, Farè F, Garrone G, Fontana M, Caruso D, Siciliano G, Comi GP, Govoni A, Corti S, Ottoboni L. Multi-omics profiling of CSF from spinal muscular atrophy type 3 patients after nusinersen treatment: a 2-year follow-up multicenter retrospective study. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:241. [PMID: 37543540 PMCID: PMC10404194 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene resulting in reduced levels of the SMN protein. Nusinersen, the first antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) approved for SMA treatment, binds to the SMN2 gene, paralogue to SMN1, and mediates the translation of a functional SMN protein. Here, we used longitudinal high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) to assess both global proteome and metabolome in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from ten SMA type 3 patients, with the aim of identifying novel readouts of pharmacodynamic/response to treatment and predictive markers of treatment response. Patients had a median age of 33.5 [29.5; 38.25] years, and 80% of them were ambulant at time of the enrolment, with a median HFMSE score of 37.5 [25.75; 50.75]. Untargeted CSF proteome and metabolome were measured using high-resolution MS (nLC-HRMS) on CSF samples obtained before treatment (T0) and after 2 years of follow-up (T22). A total of 26 proteins were found to be differentially expressed between T0 and T22 upon VSN normalization and LIMMA differential analysis, accounting for paired replica. Notably, key markers of the insulin-growth factor signaling pathway were upregulated after treatment together with selective modulation of key transcription regulators. Using CombiROC multimarker signature analysis, we suggest that detecting a reduction of SEMA6A and an increase of COL1A2 and GRIA4 might reflect therapeutic efficacy of nusinersen. Longitudinal metabolome profiling, analyzed with paired t-Test, showed a significant shift for some aminoacid utilization induced by treatment, whereas other metabolites were largely unchanged. Together, these data suggest perturbation upon nusinersen treatment still sustained after 22 months of follow-up and confirm the utility of CSF multi-omic profiling as pharmacodynamic biomarker for SMA type 3. Nonetheless, validation studies are needed to confirm this evidence in a larger sample size and to further dissect combined markers of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Faravelli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Ongaro
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Magri
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Parente
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Petrozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Donatella Caruso
- Unitech OMICs, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Govoni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Łusakowska A, Wójcik A, Frączek A, Aragon-Gawińska K, Potulska-Chromik A, Baranowski P, Nowak R, Rosiak G, Milczarek K, Konecki D, Gierlak-Wójcicka Z, Burlewicz M, Kostera-Pruszczyk A. Long-term nusinersen treatment across a wide spectrum of spinal muscular atrophy severity: a real-world experience. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:230. [PMID: 37542300 PMCID: PMC10401775 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a biallelic mutation in the SMN1 gene, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Nusinersen is the first disease-modifying drug for all SMA types. We report on effectiveness and safety data from 120 adults and older children with SMA types 1c-3 treated with nusinersen. METHODS Patients were evaluated with the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE; n = 73) or the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND; n = 47). Additionally, the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used in a subset of patients. Patients were followed for up to 30 months of nusinersen treatment (mean, SD; 23, 14 months). Subjective treatment outcomes were evaluated with the Patients Global Impression-Improvement (PGI-I) scale used in all patients or caregivers at each follow-up visit. RESULTS An increase in the mean HFMSE score was noted at month 14 (T14) (3.9 points, p < 0.001) and month 30 (T30) (5.1 points, p < 0.001). The mean RULM score increased by 0.79 points at T14 (p = 0.001) and 1.96 points (p < 0.001) at month 30 (T30). The mean CHOP-INTEND increased by 3.6 points at T14 (p < 0.001) and 5.6 points at month 26 (p < 0.001). The mean 6MWT improved by 16.6 m at T14 and 27 m at T30 vs. baseline. A clinically meaningful improvement in HFMSE (≥ 3 points) was seen in 62% of patients at T14, and in 71% at T30; in CHOP INTEND (≥ 4 points), in 58% of patients at T14 and in 80% at T30; in RULM (≥ 2 points), in 26.6% of patients at T14 and in 43.5% at T30; and in 6MWT (≥ 30-meter increase), in 26% of patients at T14 and in 50% at T30. Improved PGI-I scores were reported for 75% of patients at T14 and 85% at T30; none of the patients reporting worsening at T30. Adverse events were mild and related to lumbar puncture. CONCLUSIONS In our study, nusinersen led to continuous functional improvement over 30-month follow-up and was well tolerated by adults and older children with a wide spectrum of SMA severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Łusakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ERN EURO-NMD, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Adrianna Wójcik
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Osiedle Złotej Jesieni 1, Kraków, 31-826, Poland
| | - Anna Frączek
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ERN EURO-NMD, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Karolina Aragon-Gawińska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ERN EURO-NMD, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Anna Potulska-Chromik
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ERN EURO-NMD, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Paweł Baranowski
- Department of Econometrics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Łódź, ul. Rewolucji 1905 37/39, Łódź, 90-214, Poland
| | - Ryszard Nowak
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Osiedle Złotej Jesieni 1, Kraków, 31-826, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiak
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Milczarek
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Dariusz Konecki
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Gierlak-Wójcicka
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ERN EURO-NMD, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Burlewicz
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ERN EURO-NMD, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Anna Kostera-Pruszczyk
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ERN EURO-NMD, ul. Banacha 1a, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland.
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Ros LA, Sleutjes BT, Stikvoort García DJ, Goedee HS, Asselman FL, van den Berg LH, van der Pol WL, Wadman RI. Feasibility and tolerability of multimodal peripheral electrophysiological techniques in a cohort of patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2023; 8:123-131. [PMID: 37554725 PMCID: PMC10404501 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electrophysiological techniques are emerging as an aid in identifying prognostic or therapeutic biomarkers in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but electrophysiological assessments may be burdensome for patients. We, therefore, assessed feasibility and tolerability of multimodal peripheral non-invasive electrophysiological techniques in a cohort of patients with SMA. METHODS We conducted a single center, longitudinal cohort study investigating the feasibility and tolerability of applying multimodal electrophysiological techniques to the median nerve unilaterally. Techniques consisted of the compound muscle action potential scan, motor nerve excitability tests, repetitive nerve stimulation and sensory nerve action potential. We assessed tolerability using the numeric rating scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain), and defined the protocol to be tolerable if the NRS score ≤ 3. The protocol was considered feasible if it could be performed according to test and quality standards. RESULTS We included 71 patients with SMA types 1-4 (median 39 years; range 13-67) and 63 patients at follow-up. The protocol was feasible in 98% of patients and was well-tolerated in up to 90% of patients. Median NRS score was 2 (range 0-6 at baseline and range 0-4 at follow-up (p < 0.01)). None of the patients declined follow-up assessment. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal, peripheral, non-invasive, electrophysiological techniques applied to the median nerve are feasible and well-tolerated in adolescents and adults with SMA types 1-4. SIGNIFICANCE Our study supports the use of non-invasive multimodal electrophysiological assessments in adolescents and adults with SMA types 1-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra A.A. Ros
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn T.H.M. Sleutjes
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Diederik J.L. Stikvoort García
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H. Stephan Goedee
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fay-Lynn Asselman
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H. van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Renske I. Wadman
- Corresponding author at: Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Balaji L, Farrar MA, D'Silva AM, Kariyawasam DS. Decision-making and challenges within the evolving treatment algorithm in spinal muscular atrophy: a clinical perspective. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:571-586. [PMID: 37227306 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2218549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The clinical application of disease modifying therapies has dramatically changed the paradigm of the management of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), from sole reliance on symptomatic care directed toward the downstream consequences of muscle weakness, to proactive intervention and even preventative care. AREAS COVERED In this perspective, the authors evaluate the contemporary therapeutic landscape of SMA and discuss the evolution of novel phenotypes and the treatment algorithm, including the key factors that define individual treatment choice and treatment response. The benefits achieved by early diagnosis and treatment through newborn screening are highlighted, alongside an appraisal of emerging prognostic methods and classification frameworks to inform clinicians, patients, and families about disease course, manage expectations, and improve care planning. A future perspective of unmet needs and challenges is provided, emphasizing the key role of research. EXPERT OPINION SMN-augmenting therapies have improved health outcomes for people with SMA and powered the practice of personalized medicine. Within this new proactive diagnostic and treatment paradigm, new phenotypes and different disease trajectories are emerging. Ongoing collaborative research efforts to understand the biology of SMA and define optimal response are critical to refining future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Balaji
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arlene M D'Silva
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Didu S Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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Pera MC, Coratti G, Casiraghi J, Bravetti C, Fedeli A, Strika M, Albamonte E, Antonaci L, Rossi D, Pane M, Sansone VA, Mercuri E. Caregivers' Expectations on Possible Functional Changes following Disease-Modifying Treatment in Type II and III Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Comparative Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4183. [PMID: 37445216 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The primary aim of this study was to explore current caregivers' expectations on possible functional changes following treatment in comparison to data obtained in the pre-pharmacological era. Methods: A questionnaire, previously used in 2016, was administered to caregivers of type II and III SMA patients of age between 3 and 71 years, and to patients over the age of 13 years. The questionnaire focuses on (1) caregivers and patients expectations, (2) meaningfulness of the changes observed on the functional motor scales, and (3) their willingness to be enrolled in a clinical trial. A comparative study was performed with data obtained using the same questionnaire soon before the advent of disease-modifying therapies. Results: We administered the questionnaire to 150 caregivers. When comparing current caregiver data to those obtained in 2016, the most obvious differences were related to disease perception over the last year (stability: 16.5% in 2016 vs. 43.6% in 2022; deterioration 70.5% vs. 12.8%, and improvement: 12.9% vs. 43.6%) and expectations from clinical trials with higher expectations in 2022 compared to 2016 (p < 0.001). Forty-five of the 150 in the current study were caregivers of patients above the age of 13. In these 45 the questionnaire was also administered to the patient. No difference was found in responses between patients and their caregivers. Conclusions: Both carers and patients reported that even small changes on functional scales, similar to those reported by clinical studies and real-world data, are perceived as meaningful. Comparing the recent responses to those obtained in 2016, before pharmacological treatment was available, we found significant changes in caregivers' perception with increased expectations. These findings will provide a better understanding of the patients' expectations and facilitate discussion with regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmela Pera
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Casiraghi
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bravetti
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fedeli
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Milija Strika
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Albamonte
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Antonaci
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Rossi
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Ada Sansone
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- The NEMO Center in Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Walter MC, Laforêt P, van der Pol WL, Pegoraro E. 254th ENMC international workshop. Formation of a European network to initiate a European data collection, along with development and sharing of treatment guidelines for adult SMA patients. Virtual meeting 28 - 30 January 2022. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:511-522. [PMID: 37245491 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, Munich 80336, Germany.
| | - Pascal Laforêt
- Department of Neurology, Nord/Est/Ile de France Neuromuscular Reference Center, AP-HP, Raymond-Poincaré Teaching Hospital, Paris Saclay University, Garches, France
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Elena Pegoraro
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Neuromuscular Unit, University of Padova, Italy
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Zhong ZJ, Zheng PM, Dou HH, Wang JG. Adverse events in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy in children and adolescents with nusinersen: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1152318. [PMID: 37181426 PMCID: PMC10167028 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1152318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To systematically analyze adverse events (AEs) in treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with Nusinersen in children and adolescents. Methods The study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022345589). Databases were searched and literature relating to Nusinersen in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy in children from the start of database establishment to December 1, 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. R.3.6.3 statistical software was used, and random effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate weighted mean prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results In total, 15 eligible studies were included, with a total of 967 children. Rate of definite Nusinersen-related AEs was 0.57% (95% CI: 0%-3.97%), and probable Nusinersen-related AEs 7.76% (95% CI: 1.85%-17.22%). Overall rate of AEs was 83.51% (95% CI: 73.55%-93.46%), and serious AEs 33.04% (95% CI: 18.15%-49.91%). For main specific AEs, fever was most common, 40.07% (95% CI: 25.14%-56.02%), followed by upper respiratory tract infection 39.94% (95% CI: 29.43%-50.94%), and pneumonia 26.62% (95% CI: 17.99%-36.25%).The difference in overall AE rates between the two groups (Nusinersen group and placebo group) was significant (OR = 0.27,95% CI: 0.08-0.95, P = 0.042). Moreover, incidence of serious adverse events, and fatal adverse events were both significantly lower than in the placebo group (OR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.32-0.69, P < 0.01), and (OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.23-0.59, P < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion Nusinersen direct adverse events are rare, and it can effectively reduces common, serious, and fatal adverse events in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Juan Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Pi-Mei Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hui-Hong Dou
- Department of Pediatrics, GuangxiClinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Ji-Gan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, GuangxiClinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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Schreiber-Katz O, Siegler HA, Wieselmann G, Kumpe M, Ranxha G, Petri S, Osmanovic A. Improvement of muscle strength in specific muscular regions in nusinersen-treated adult patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6240. [PMID: 37069197 PMCID: PMC10107562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31617-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-world data have shown mild improvement of overall motor function in adult patients treated with nusinersen, the first approved therapy for 5q-spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, knowledge about preferably targeted muscle functions is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate strength of distinct muscles and body regions in adult SMA patients in the early course of nusinersen therapy. 72 muscles of 15 patients were tested on the Medical Research Council (MRC) 0-10 scale (translated into MRC %) from nusinersen start to 14 months of treatment. The whole body muscular strength improved slightly or remained stable in 80% of SMA patients with a median improvement of + 2%. However, relevant increases of muscle strength of distinct regions were identified in the proximal upper limbs and shoulder girdle (median + 8%) and in muscle groups with a preserved function pre-treatment, even in more advanced diseased SMA patients. MRC grading was additionally performed in seven patients enrolled during ongoing treatment. Here, further improvement of muscle strength until month 18-26 was seen with the highest increases in the proximal upper and lower limbs. Our findings suggest that sole evaluation of the overall muscle strength might underestimate nusinersen therapy benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gary Wieselmann
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mareike Kumpe
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gresa Ranxha
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alma Osmanovic
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
- Essen Center for Rare Diseases (EZSE), University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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Antonaci L, Pera MC, Mercuri E. New therapies for spinal muscular atrophy: where we stand and what is next. Eur J Pediatr 2023:10.1007/s00431-023-04883-8. [PMID: 37067602 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The natural history of spinal muscular atrophy has been radically changed by the advent of improved standards of care and the availability of disease-modifying therapies. The aim of this paper is to provide the current therapeutic scenario including new perspectives and to report the challenges related to new phenotypes a few years after the therapies have become available. The paper also includes a review of real-world data that provides information on safety and efficacy in individuals that were not included in clinical trials. Special attention is paid to future perspectives both in terms of new drugs that are currently investigated in clinical trials or providing details on current developments in the use of the available drugs, including combination therapies or new modalities of dose or administration. Conclusion: Clinical trials and real world data support the efficacy and safety profiles of the available drugs. At the moment there is not enough published evidence about the superiority of one product compared to the others. What is Known: • Safety and efficacy results of clinical trials have led in the last 6 years to the marketing of three drugs for spinal muscular atrophy, with different mechanisms of action. What is New: • Since the drug's approval, real-world data allow us to have data on bigger and heterogeneous groups of patients in contrast with those included in clinical trials. • In addition to the new molecules, combinations of therapies are currently being evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Antonaci
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Bjelica B, Wohnrade C, Osmanovic A, Schreiber-Katz O, Petri S. An observational cohort study on pulmonary function in adult patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy under nusinersen therapy. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11711-4. [PMID: 37062018 PMCID: PMC10106012 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies assessed the effect of nusinersen on respiratory function in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The aim of this single-center study was to analyze pulmonary function and its association with muscle function and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with 5q-SMA under nusinersen. METHODS We recorded forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) during nusinersen treatment in 38 adult SMA patients. Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were recorded and correlations between muscle function, QoL, fatigue and respiratory parameters were analyzed. RESULTS No differences were detected between mean FVC, FEV1, PEF at different timepoints versus baseline. Ambulatory patients showed significant improvement in mean PEF at month 30, compared to non-ambulatory patients (+ 0.8 ± 0.5 vs. - 0.0 ± 0.5, p < 0.05). Patients with fatigue at baseline showed significant improvement in mean PEF at month 10, compared to patients without fatigue at baseline (+ 0.6 ± 0.9 vs. - 0.4 ± 0.5, p < 0.05). Physical domains of SF-36 positively correlated with the change in FVC and FEV1. FSS negatively correlated with the change in mean PEF. CONCLUSION Mean pulmonary function remained stable during nusinersen treatment over a period of up to 30 months. Improvement in pulmonary function was associated with improvement in motor function, fatigue and QoL, early after nusinersen initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Bjelica
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Camilla Wohnrade
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alma Osmanovic
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- Essen Center for Rare Diseases (EZSE), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Olivia Schreiber-Katz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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Nusinersen for adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06698-9. [PMID: 36854931 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06698-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nusinersen was effective in improving motor function and survival in infantile and childhood-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and the value of real-world experiences in adult SMA patients increase gradually. Here, we present our clinical experience in adult SMA patients treated with nusinersen according to CHERISH study. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two SMA patients treated with nusinersen were included in the study. RESULTS Median age at nusinersen initiation was 33.5 (20.0-60.0) years and 23 of SMA patients were male. Six (18.8%) patients had SMA type 2, and 26 (81.2%) had SMA type 3. Median follow-up period of patients under nusinersen treatment was 17 months (9-21). Twenty-three patients improved by at least 3 Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) points after loading doses. There was significant HFMSE score increase in type 3 patients at each time point, whereas type 2 patients seem to benefit from nusinersen loading doses, subsequently stayed stable. Motor improvement was positively correlated with baseline HFMSE scores in patients whose baseline HFMSE scores were ≤47. There was a correlation between the changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) score and HFMSE scores. Ambulatory patients who could not show clinically meaningful increase in HFMSE scores improved at least 30 m by 6-min walk test (6MWT). CONCLUSION Overall, 78% of patients have responded to treatment according to HFMSE or 6MWT. ALSFRS-R and 6MWT may be alternative tools to monitor nusinersen effect.
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Examining Real-World Adherence to Nusinersen for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Using Two Large US Data Sources. Adv Ther 2023; 40:1129-1140. [PMID: 36645543 PMCID: PMC9841927 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. Nusinersen was the first treatment approved for SMA. Per the US label, the nusinersen administration schedule consists of three loading doses at 14-day intervals, a fourth loading dose 30 days later, and maintenance doses every 4 months thereafter. Using two large US databases, we evaluated real-world adherence to nusinersen with its unique dosing schedule among generalizable populations of patients with SMA. METHODS Patients with SMA treated with nusinersen, likely to have complete information on date of treatment initiation, were identified in the Optum® de-identified electronic health records (EHR) database (7/2017-9/2019), and in the Merative™ MarketScan® Research Databases from commercial (1/2017-6/2020) and Medicaid claims (1/2017-12/2019). Baseline demographics, number of nusinersen administrations on time, and distribution of inter-dose intervals were summarized. RESULTS Totals of 67 and 291 patients were identified in the EHR and claims databases, respectively. Most nusinersen doses were received on time (93.9% EHR, 80.5% claims). Adherence was higher during the maintenance phase (90.6%) than the loading phase (71.1%) in the claims analysis, in contrast with the EHR analysis (95.5% and 92.6%, respectively), suggesting that not all loading doses of nusinersen may be accurately captured in claims. Inter-dose intervals captured in both databases aligned with the expected dosing schedule. CONCLUSION Most nusinersen doses were received on time, consistent with the recommended schedule. Our findings also highlight the importance of careful methodological approaches when using real-world administrative databases for evaluation of nusinersen treatment patterns.
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Sadjadi R, Kelly K, Glanzman AM, Montes J, Linsenmayer M, Tellez M, Bartlett A, Heintzman S, Kolb SJ, Arnold WD, El-Sheikh B. Psychometric evaluation of modified spinal muscular atrophy functional rating scale (SMAFRS) in adult patients using Rasch analysis. Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:239-243. [PMID: 36605016 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Functional Rating Scale (SMAFRS) was first developed as a secondary functional outcome measure to detect changes over time in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in clinical trials. Its modified version evaluates 10 activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to analyze modified SMAFRS data using item response theory psychometric models. METHODS A total of 253 responses from 41 adult patients with ambulatory and non-ambulatory SMA types 2, 3, and 4 were analyzed. Rasch analysis was used to explore item-person targeting, fit statistics, category response functioning, dimensionality, and differential item functioning. RESULTS Most items had good fitting with the exception of "toileting" and "respiratory." There were no major floor or ceiling effects, and most items covered a good range of disability with only a negligible breech of uni-dimensionality from eating, dressing, and respiratory items. Differential item function highlighted differences in toileting, turning, transferring, walking, and respiratory items between ambulatory and non-ambulatory populations. DISCUSSION Despite subtle misfitting of certain items, mainly related to respiratory and bulbar function, overall modified SMAFRS remained a psychometrically stable and unidimensional outcome measure. There were some differences in measuring properties of certain functional items between ambulatory and non-ambulatory items that need to be taken into consideration in clinical trial design. Overall, the modified SMAFRS is a psychometrically reliable tool in assessment of adult patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Sadjadi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristina Kelly
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Allan M Glanzman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacqueline Montes
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matthew Linsenmayer
- Assistive Technology Department, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Marco Tellez
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy Bartlett
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Heintzman
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Bakri El-Sheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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45
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Günther R. [Gene Therapies in Motor Neuron Diseases ALS and SMA]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:153-163. [PMID: 36822211 DOI: 10.1055/a-2002-5215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
In the past, the diagnosis of motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) meant powerlessness in the face of seemingly untreatable diseases with severe motor-functional limitations and sometimes fatal courses. Recent advances in an understanding of the genetic causalities of these diseases, combined with success in the development of targeted gene therapy strategies, spell hope for effective, innovative therapeutic approaches, pioneering the ability to treat neurodegenerative diseases. While gene therapies have been approved for SMA since a few years, gene therapy research in ALS is still in clinical trials with encouraging results. This article provides an overview of the genetic background of ALS and SMA known to date and gene therapy approaches to them with a focus on therapy candidates that are in clinical trials or have already gained market approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Günther
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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46
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Long-term efficacy of nusinersen and its evaluation in adolescent and adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1 and 2. Brain Dev 2023; 45:110-116. [PMID: 36335004 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2022.10.006] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The efficacy of nusinersen and its evaluation in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been established in clinical trials only for pediatric patients, not for adolescent and adult patients who developed SMA in infancy or early childhood. We report a long-term follow-up in adolescent and adult patients with SMA types 1 and 2. METHODS Nusinersen-treated patients with SMA types 1 and 2 between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. We compared baseline motor function tests with those after the final treatment. Physical and occupational therapists performed Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND), Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE), and Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM). The Landau and Galant reflexes were not performed in CHOP-INTEND. Meaningful improvement was defined as CHOP-INTEND, 4; HFSME, 3; and RULM, 2. RESULTS Seven patients with SMA (type 1, 1; type 2, 6) with a median age of 23 (range, 12-40)years were treated with nusinersen for 3.55 (1.78-4.53)years. Improvement was detected in CHOP-INTEND (pre, 5 [0-31]; post, 21 [0-39]; difference, 5 [0-26]; p = 0.100) without significance, although not in HFMSE (pre, 0 [0-3]; post, 0 [0-5]; difference, 0 [0-2]; p = 0.346) and RULM (pre, 1 [0-20]; post, 3 [0-21]; difference, 1 [0-2]; p = 0.089). Owing to prolonged treatment intervals with the COVID-19 pandemic, RULM worsened in two patients. CONCLUSION Nusinersen was effective in long-term follow-up. Only CHOP-INTEND showed meaningful improvement. The interval between doses of nusinersen should not be prolonged even with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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47
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder related to motor neuron degeneration. SMA patients present generally severe muscular weakness and atrophy, which can reduce life expectancy and lead to severe functional disability. In recent years, the management of this condition has been revolutionized by the development of innovative therapies that target alternative splicing of pre-messenger SMN2 RNA by antisense oligonucleotides or small molecules and by the approval of the first vector-based SMN1 gene therapy. The high significance of the trials in children led to fast-tracking of these therapies to all SMA patients despite the absence of data in adults. Real-life data are progressively providing a better understanding of the expected benefits and tolerability. They also highlight the difficulties of evaluating these patients and the need to take into account the patients' reported expectations and outcome. A review of the main data in adult patients is presented. The mechanisms of action of these innovative therapies are discussed as well as the limits of evaluations of these therapies in adults with longstanding severe amyotrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cintas
- Service de neurologie, CHU de Toulouse Purpan, centre de référence de pathologie neuromusculaire, place du Docteur Baylac TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
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48
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Shpilyukova YA, Illarioshkin SN. [Oral disease-modifying therapy for adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 2]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:148-153. [PMID: 38147395 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2023123121148] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Disease modifying therapy for adult patients with SMA still raises certain questions regarding its effectiveness, given the long-term chronic process with often significant neurological deficits at the time of initiation of therapy. This paper presents three clinical cases of adult sitter patients with SMA type 2, who began risdiplam therapy 16.5-41 years after the disease onset. All patients have been receiving therapy since 2020, at the time of observation for 2.5-3 years. All patients showed subjective and objective (using specialized scales) improvement during long-term therapy with risdiplam. In addition to an increase in muscle strength, mainly in the proximal and distal parts of the arms, several non-motor effects were also noted (including improved swallowing and breathing), which cannot be recorded using scales. No adverse events were recorded during therapy.
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49
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Mavragani A, Hashizume A, Kuwatsuka Y, Chinen M, Saotome-Nakamura A, Ando M, Katsuno M. The Japan Registry for Adult Subjects of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (jREACT-SMA): Protocol for a Longitudinal Observational Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e38878. [PMID: 36520510 PMCID: PMC9801261 DOI: 10.2196/38878] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic neuromuscular disorder with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, mainly caused by lower motor neuron degeneration resulting from decreased levels of the survival motor neuron protein. Recently, 3 disease-modifying therapies for SMA (nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam) were approved in Japan that are expected to improve the prognosis of patients with SMA. Long-term clinical follow-up of adult patients treated with disease-modifying therapies and the natural history of SMA are essential to assess the real-world effectiveness of available treatments. Until recently, nusinersen was the only treatment option for patients with SMA in Japan; however, because Japanese approval of nusinersen was based on global clinical trials in infants and children aged 0-15 years with SMA, the effectiveness of nusinersen in adult patients has not been fully assessed in Japan. In addition, longitudinal clinical data of adult patients have not been systematically collected in Japan. OBJECTIVE This longitudinal observational study of adult patients with SMA who have been diagnosed with 5q-SMA in Japan aims to gain a better understanding of the natural history of SMA, as well as the long-term effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies. Here, we describe the protocol for the study. METHODS The Japan Registry for Adult Subjects of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (jREACT-SMA) study is a longitudinal (prospective and retrospective) observational study with a 60-month prospective follow-up being conducted at 19 investigational sites using the newly established jREACT-SMA registry. Patients aged ≥18 years with genetically confirmed 5q-SMA were planned to be enrolled in the registry from December 2020 to May 2022. The planned enrollment was 100 patients. The protocol was approved on September 28, 2020 (approval 2020-0289) by the ethical review committee of Nagoya University. Registration, demographics, genetic diagnosis, motor functions, patient-reported outcomes/quality-of-life outcomes, and other clinical data have been or will be collected. RESULTS As of May 2022, 113 patients had been enrolled, and the completion of patient registration has been extended from May 2022 to December 2022. Data at registration and during the follow-up period were and will be prospectively collected at least once a year until November 2025 (maximum 60 months). Data analyses will be conducted when all data have been collected. Results are expected to be available in 2026 and the study is expected to be completed by March 2027. CONCLUSIONS This jREACT-SMA study will provide longitudinal prospective follow-up data in adult patients with SMA in Japan, including data on the natural history of the disease and data on the long-term effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION University Hospital Medical Information Network Center Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000042015; https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/en/detail?trial_id=UMIN000042015. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/38878.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atsushi Hashizume
- Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yachiyo Kuwatsuka
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | - Masahiko Ando
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Clinical Research Education, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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50
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Stam M, Wijngaarde CA, Bartels B, Asselman FL, Otto LAM, Habets LE, van Eijk RPA, Middelkoop BM, Goedee HS, de Groot JF, Roes KCB, Schoenmakers MAGC, Nieuwenhuis EES, Cuppen I, van den Berg LH, Wadman RI, van der Pol WL. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial with pyridostigmine in spinal muscular atrophy types 2-4. Brain Commun 2022; 5:fcac324. [PMID: 36632180 PMCID: PMC9825780 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac324] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary proximal spinal muscular atrophy causes weakness and increased fatigability of repetitive motor functions. The neuromuscular junction is anatomically and functionally abnormal in patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Pharmacological improvement of neuromuscular transmission may therefore represent a promising additional treatment strategy. We conducted a Phase II, monocentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine in treatment-naïve patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 2-4. We investigated the safety and efficacy of pyridostigmine on fatigability and motor function. Each participant received pyridostigmine and a placebo for 8 weeks, in random order. Primary outcomes were the repeated nine-hole peg test for fatigability and motor function measure. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported effects, endurance shuttle test combined scores and adverse events. We included 35 patients. For the repeated nine-hole peg test, the mean difference was 0.17 s/trial (95% confidence interval: -1.17-1.49; P = 0.8), favouring placebo, and for the motor function measure, 0.74% (95% confidence interval: 0.00-1.49; P = 0.05), favouring pyridostigmine. Around 74% of patients reported medium-to-large beneficial effects of pyridostigmine on fatigability, compared with 29.7% in the placebo arm. This was paralleled by a reduced dropout risk of 70% on the endurance shuttle test combined scores (hazard ratio: 0.30; 95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.58) under pyridostigmine. Adverse events, mostly mild and self-limiting, occurred more frequently under pyridostigmine. No serious adverse events related to the study medication were observed. Patients with spinal muscular atrophy tolerated pyridostigmine well. There were no significant differences in primary outcomes, but the self-reported reduction of fatigability and improved endurance shuttle test combined score performance suggest that pyridostigmine may be useful as an additional therapy to survival motor neuron-augmenting drugs. Trial registration number: EudraCT: 2011-004369-34, NCT02941328.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fay-Lynn Asselman
- UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Louise A M Otto
- UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Laura E Habets
- Child Development and Exercise Centre, Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands,Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bas M Middelkoop
- UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - H Stephan Goedee
- UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Janke F de Groot
- Child Development and Exercise Centre, Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands,Knowledge Institute for Medical Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kit C B Roes
- Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands,Department of Health Evidence, Section Biostatistics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Radboud University, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marja A G C Schoenmakers
- Child Development and Exercise Centre, Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Edward E S Nieuwenhuis
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inge Cuppen
- UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, Department of Neurology and Child Neurology, Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Correspondence to: W. Ludo van der Pol, MD, PhD Department of Neurology F02.230, UMC Utrecht Brain Center University Medical Centre Utrecht Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands E-mail:
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