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McPheron MA, Felker MV. Clinical perspectives: Treating spinal muscular atrophy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2489-2504. [PMID: 38894541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease that, without treatment, leads to progressive weakness and often death. A plethora of studies have led to the approval of three high-cost and effective treatments since 2016. These treatments, nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam, have not been directly compared and have varying challenges in administration. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of these medications, the process of treatment selection, monitoring after treatment, the limited data comparing treatments, as well as future directions for investigation and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A McPheron
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Marcia V Felker
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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2
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Wong KN, McIntyre M, Cook S, Hart K, Wilson A, Moldt S, Rohrwasser A, Butterfield RJ. A Five-Year Review of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the State of Utah: Lessons Learned. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:54. [PMID: 39051410 PMCID: PMC11270276 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10030054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by alpha motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord anterior horn. Clinical symptoms manifest in the first weeks to months of life in the most severe cases, resulting in progressive symmetrical weakness and atrophy of the proximal voluntary muscles. Approximately 95% of SMA patients present with homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene. With multiple available therapies preventing symptom development and slowing disease progression, newborn screening for SMA is essential to identify at-risk individuals. From 2018 to 2023, a total of 239,844 infants were screened. 13 positive screens were confirmed to have SMA. An additional case was determined to be a false positive. We are not aware of any false-negative cases. All patients were seen promptly, with diagnosis confirmed within 1 week of the initial clinical visit. Patients were treated with nusinersen or onasemnogene abeparvovec. Treated patients with two copies of SMN2 are meeting important developmental milestones inconsistent with the natural history of type 1 SMA. Patients with 3-4 copies of SMN2 follow normal developmental timelines. Newborn screening is an effective tool for the early identification and treatment of patients with SMA. Presymptomatic treatment dramatically shifts the natural history of SMA, with most patients meeting appropriate developmental milestones. Patients with two copies of SMN2 identified through newborn screening constitute a neurogenetic emergency. Due to the complexities of follow-up, a multidisciplinary team, including close communication with the newborn screening program, is required to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen N. Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Melissa McIntyre
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Sabina Cook
- Utah Newborn Screening Program, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, USA
| | - Kim Hart
- Utah Newborn Screening Program, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, USA
| | - Amelia Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Sarah Moldt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Andreas Rohrwasser
- Utah Newborn Screening Program, Salt Lake City, UT 84129, USA
- Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
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3
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Ma K, Zhang K, Chen D, Wang C, Abdalla M, Zhang H, Tian R, Liu Y, Song L, Zhang X, Liu F, Liu G, Wang D. Real-world evidence: Risdiplam in a patient with spinal muscular atrophy type I with a novel splicing mutation and one SMN2 copy. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1120-1130. [PMID: 38520738 PMCID: PMC11190614 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae052] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which results from the deletion or/and mutation in the SMN1 gene, is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder that leads to weakness and muscle atrophy. SMN2 is a paralogous gene of SMN1. SMN2 copy number affects the severity of SMA, but its role in patients treated with disease modifying therapies is unclear. The most appropriate individualized treatment for SMA has not yet been determined. Here, we reported a case of SMA type I with normal breathing and swallowing function. We genetically confirmed that this patient had a compound heterozygous variant: one deleted SMN1 allele and a novel splice mutation c.628-3T>G in the retained allele, with one SMN2 copy. Patient-derived sequencing of 4 SMN1 cDNA clones showed that this intronic single transversion mutation results in an alternative exon (e)5 3' splice site, which leads to an additional 2 nucleotides (AG) at the 5' end of e5, thereby explaining why the patient with only one copy of SMN2 had a mild clinical phenotype. Additionally, a minigene assay of wild type and mutant SMN1 in HEK293T cells also demonstrated that this transversion mutation induced e5 skipping. Considering treatment cost and goals of avoiding pain caused by injections and starting treatment as early as possible, risdiplam was prescribed for this patient. However, the patient showed remarkable clinical improvements after treatment with risdiplam for 7 months despite carrying only one copy of SMN2. This study is the first report on the treatment of risdiplam in a patient with one SMN2 copy in a real-world setting. These findings expand the mutation spectrum of SMA and provide accurate genetic counseling information, as well as clarify the molecular mechanism of careful genotype-phenotype correlation of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ma
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
- Department of neurology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Kaihui Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Defang Chen
- The Office of operation management committee, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jiefang road NO. 105, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Chuan Wang
- Science, Education and Foreign Affairs Section, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Mohnad Abdalla
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Haozheng Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Rujin Tian
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
- Ophthalmology department, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Li Song
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second People’s Hospital of Shandong Province, Duanxing west road NO. 4, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jiefang road NO. 105, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Guohua Liu
- Ophthalmology department, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jingshi road NO. 23976, Jinan, SD 250022, PR China
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Schwartz O, Vill K, Pfaffenlehner M, Behrens M, Weiß C, Johannsen J, Friese J, Hahn A, Ziegler A, Illsinger S, Smitka M, von Moers A, Kölbel H, Schreiber G, Kaiser N, Wilichowski E, Flotats-Bastardas M, Husain RA, Baumann M, Köhler C, Trollmann R, Schwerin-Nagel A, Eisenkölbl A, Schimmel M, Fleger M, Kauffmann B, Wiegand G, Baumgartner M, Rauscher C, Cirak S, Gläser D, Bernert G, Hagenacker T, Goldbach S, Probst-Schendzielorz K, Lochmüller H, Müller-Felber W, Schara-Schmidt U, Walter MC, Kirschner J, Pechmann A. Clinical Effectiveness of Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:540-547. [PMID: 38587854 PMCID: PMC11002769 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Importance There is increasing evidence that early diagnosis and treatment are key for outcomes in infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and newborn screening programs have been implemented to detect the disease before onset of symptoms. However, data from controlled studies that reliably confirm the benefits of newborn screening are lacking. Objective To compare data obtained on patients with SMA diagnosed through newborn screening and those diagnosed after clinical symptom onset. Design, Setting, and Participants This nonrandomized controlled trial used data from the SMARTCARE registry to evaluate all children born between January 2018 and September 2021 with genetically confirmed SMA and up to 3 SMN2 copies. The registry includes data from 70 participating centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Data analysis was performed in February 2023 so that all patients had a minimal follow-up of 18 months. Exposure Patients born in 2 federal states in Germany underwent screening in a newborn screening pilot project. All other patients were diagnosed after clinical symptom onset. All patients received standard care within the same health care system. Main Outcomes The primary end point was the achievement of motor milestones. Results A total of 234 children (123 [52.6%] female) were identified who met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis: 44 (18.8%) in the newborn screening cohort and 190 children (81.2%) in the clinical symptom onset cohort. The mean (SD) age at start of treatment with 1 of the approved disease-modifying drugs was 1.3 (2.2) months in the newborn screening cohort and 10.7 (9.1) months in the clinical symptom onset cohort. In the newborn screening cohort, 40 of 44 children (90.9%) gained the ability to sit independently vs 141 of 190 (74.2%) in the clinical symptom onset cohort. For independent ambulation, the ratio was 28 of 40 (63.6%) vs 28 of 190 (14.7%). Conclusions and Relevance This nonrandomized controlled trial demonstrated effectiveness of newborn screening for infants with SMA in the real-world setting. Functional outcomes and thus the response to treatment were significantly better in the newborn screening cohort compared to the unscreened clinical symptom onset group. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00012699.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and Ludwig Maximilians University Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michelle Pfaffenlehner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Centre for Data Analysis and Modelling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Max Behrens
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Centre for Data Analysis and Modelling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Weiß
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Center for Chronically Sick Children, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessika Johannsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Friese
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ziegler
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Illsinger
- Clinic for Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Smitka
- Abteilung Neuropaediatrie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arpad von Moers
- Department of Pediatrics und Neuropediatrics, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Kliniken Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Neuromuscular Centre for Cdhildren and Adolescents, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Schreiber
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Nadja Kaiser
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ekkehard Wilichowski
- Department of Paediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Centre, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Ralf A. Husain
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Baumann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Köhler
- St. Josef-Hospital, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Abteilung für Neuropädiatrie und Sozialpädiatrie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annette Schwerin-Nagel
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Astrid Eisenkölbl
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Mareike Schimmel
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fleger
- Department of Pediatrics, State Hospital of Bregenz, Bregenz, Austria
| | - Birgit Kauffmann
- Departement of Pediatric Neurology, Eltern-Kind-Zentrum Prof. Hess, Central Hospital Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Gert Wiegand
- Neuropediatrics Section of the Department of Pediatrics, Asklepios Clinic Hamburg Nord-Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manuela Baumgartner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ordensklinikum Linz, Barmherzige Schwestern, Linz, Austria
| | - Christian Rauscher
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Private Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sebahattin Cirak
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Metabolics and Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dieter Gläser
- MVZ Genetikum GmbH, Center for Human Genetics, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and Ludwig Maximilians University Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Neuromuscular Centre for Cdhildren and Adolescents, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maggie C. Walter
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Pechmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Curry MA, Cruz RE, Belter LT, Schroth MK, Jarecki J. Assessment of Barriers to Referral and Appointment Wait Times for the Evaluation of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): Findings from a Web-Based Physician Survey. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:583-598. [PMID: 38430355 PMCID: PMC11136895 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Clinical trial data suggest early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The purpose of this study was to evaluate neurology appointment wait times for newborn screening identified infants, pediatric cases mirroring SMA symptomatology, and cases in which SMA is suspected by the referring physician. Approaches for triaging and expediting referrals in the US were also explored. METHODS Cure SMA surveyed healthcare professionals from two cohorts: (1) providers affiliated with SMA care centers and (2) other neurologists, pediatric neurologists, and neuromuscular specialists. Surveys were distributed directly and via Medscape Education, respectively, between July 9, 2020, and August 31, 2020. RESULTS Three hundred five total responses were obtained (9% from SMA care centers and 91% from the general recruitment sample). Diagnostic journeys were shorter for infants eventually diagnosed with SMA Type 1 if they were referred to SMA care centers versus general sample practices. Appointment wait times for infants exhibiting "hypotonia and motor delays" were significantly shorter at SMA care centers compared to general recruitment practices (p = 0.004). Furthermore, infants with SMA identified through newborn screening were also more likely to be seen sooner if referred to a SMA care center versus a general recruitment site. Lastly, the majority of both cohorts triaged incoming referrals. The average wait time for infants presenting at SMA care centers with "hypotonia and motor delay" was significantly shorter when initial referrals were triaged using a set of "key emergency words" (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Infants directly referred to a SMA care center versus a general sample practice were more likely to experience shorter SMA diagnostic journeys and appointment wait times. Triage guidelines for referrals specific to "hypotonia and motor delay" including use of "key emergency words" may shorten wait times and support early diagnosis and treatment of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Curry
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA.
| | | | - Lisa T Belter
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Mary K Schroth
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
| | - Jill Jarecki
- Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, USA
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6
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Vill K, Tacke M, König A, Baumann M, Baumgartner M, Steinbach M, Bernert G, Blaschek A, Deschauer M, Flotats-Bastardas M, Friese J, Goldbach S, Gross M, Günther R, Hahn A, Hagenacker T, Hauser E, Horber V, Illsinger S, Johannsen J, Kamm C, Koch JC, Koelbel H, Koehler C, Kolzter K, Lochmüller H, Ludolph A, Mensch A, Meyer Zu Hoerste G, Mueller M, Mueller-Felber W, Neuwirth C, Petri S, Probst-Schendzielorz K, Pühringer M, Steinbach R, Schara-Schmidt U, Schimmel M, Schrank B, Schwartz O, Schlachter K, Schwerin-Nagel A, Schreiber G, Smitka M, Topakian R, Trollmann R, Tuerk M, Theophil M, Rauscher C, Vorgerd M, Walter MC, Weiler M, Weiss C, Wilichowski E, Wurster CD, Wunderlich G, Zeller D, Ziegler A, Kirschner J, Pechmann A. 5qSMA: standardised retrospective natural history assessment in 268 patients with four copies of SMN2. J Neurol 2024; 271:2787-2797. [PMID: 38409538 PMCID: PMC11055798 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12188-5] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Newborn screening for 5qSMA offers the potential for early, ideally pre-symptomatic, therapeutic intervention. However, limited data exist on the outcomes of individuals with 4 copies of SMN2, and there is no consensus within the SMA treatment community regarding early treatment initiation in this subgroup. To provide evidence-based insights into disease progression, we performed a retrospective analysis of 268 patients with 4 copies of SMN2 from the SMArtCARE registry in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Inclusion criteria required comprehensive baseline data and diagnosis outside of newborn screening. Only data prior to initiation of disease-modifying treatment were included. The median age at disease onset was 3.0 years, with a mean of 6.4 years. Significantly, 55% of patients experienced symptoms before the age of 36 months. 3% never learned to sit unaided, a further 13% never gained the ability to walk independently and 33% of ambulatory patients lost this ability during the course of the disease. 43% developed scoliosis, 6.3% required non-invasive ventilation and 1.1% required tube feeding. In conclusion, our study, in line with previous observations, highlights the substantial phenotypic heterogeneity in SMA. Importantly, this study provides novel insights: the median age of disease onset in patients with 4 SMN2 copies typically occurs before school age, and in half of the patients even before the age of three years. These findings support a proactive approach, particularly early treatment initiation, in this subset of SMA patients diagnosed pre-symptomatically. However, it is important to recognize that the register will not include asymptomatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Vill
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children With Medical Complexity, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany.
- School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Department of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Moritz Tacke
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children With Medical Complexity, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna König
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children With Medical Complexity, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Baumann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuela Baumgartner
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Ordensklinikum Linz Barmherzige Schwestern, Linz, Austria
| | - Meike Steinbach
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Astrid Blaschek
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children With Medical Complexity, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Deschauer
- School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Friese
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Bonn, Center for Pediatrics, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Martin Gross
- Department of Neurological Intensive Care and Rehabilitation, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - René Günther
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Erwin Hauser
- Department for Neuropädiatrie, Landeskrankenhaus Mödling, Mödling, Austria
| | - Veronka Horber
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Illsinger
- Hannover Medical School, Clinic for Pediatric Kidney-, Liver- and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessika Johannsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Kamm
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jan C Koch
- Klinik Für Neurologie Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heike Koelbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Koehler
- Klinik Für Kinder-Und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum Im St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kirsten Kolzter
- Kliniken Köln, Sozialpädiatrisches Zentrum, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department for Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Mensch
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Halle, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | | | - Monika Mueller
- Department for Neuropediatrics, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Mueller-Felber
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children With Medical Complexity, Dr. Von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Neuwirth
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Manuel Pühringer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Kepler University Hospital Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Robert Steinbach
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mareike Schimmel
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Bertold Schrank
- Department of Neurology, DKD Helios Klinik Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Universitätsklinikum Münster Klinik Für Kinder- Und Jugendpädiatrie- Neuropädiatrie, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster, Germany
| | - Kurt Schlachter
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Landeskrankenhaus Bregenz, Bregenz, Austria
| | | | | | - Martin Smitka
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Raffi Topakian
- Department of Neurology, Academic Teaching Hospital Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Austria
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Pediatric Neurology, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Tuerk
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Centre for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Christian Rauscher
- Department for Neuropediatrics, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mathias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Weiler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Weiss
- Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Center for Chronically Sick Children, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Gilbert Wunderlich
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, DZNE, Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Department of Neurology and Center for Rare Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Zeller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ziegler
- Center for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Metabolic Medicine and Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Klinik Für Kinder-Und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum Im St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Astrid Pechmann
- Klinik Für Kinder-Und Jugendmedizin der Ruhr-Universität Bochum Im St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
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7
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Lu M, Wang X, Sun N, Huang S, Yang L, Li D. Metabolomics of cerebrospinal fluid reveals candidate diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish between spinal muscular atrophy type II and type III. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14718. [PMID: 38615366 PMCID: PMC11016346 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14718] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Classification of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is associated with the clinical prognosis; however, objective classification markers are scarce. This study aimed to identify metabolic markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children with SMA types II and III. METHODS CSF samples were collected from 40 patients with SMA (27 with type II and 13 with type III) and analyzed for metabolites. RESULTS We identified 135 metabolites associated with SMA types II and III. These were associated with lysine degradation and arginine, proline, and tyrosine metabolism. We identified seven metabolites associated with the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale: 4-chlorophenylacetic acid, adb-chminaca,(+/-)-, dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid, norethindrone acetate, 4-(undecan-5-yl) benzene-1-sulfonic acid, dihydromaleimide beta-d-glucoside, and cinobufagin. Potential typing biomarkers, N-cyclohexylformamide, cinobufagin, cotinine glucuronide, N-myristoyl arginine, 4-chlorophenylacetic acid, geranic acid, 4-(undecan-5-yl) benzene, and 7,8-diamino pelargonate, showed good predictive performance. Among these, N-myristoyl arginine was unaffected by the gene phenotype. CONCLUSION This study identified metabolic markers are promising candidate prognostic factors for SMA. We also identified the metabolic pathways associated with the severity of SMA. These assessments can help predict the outcomes of screening SMA classification biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Lu
- Department of Pediatricsthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Pediatricsthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Pediatricsthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Shaoping Huang
- Department of Pediatricsthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pediatricsthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatricsthe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
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8
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Kölbel H, Kopka M, Modler L, Blaschek A, Schara-Schmidt U, Vill K, Schwartz O, Müller-Felber W. Impaired Neurodevelopment in Children with 5q-SMA - 2 Years After Newborn Screening. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:143-151. [PMID: 37927272 PMCID: PMC10789341 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230136] [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: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Numerous studies have consistently found that reduced SMN protein expression does not severely affect cognitive function in SMA patients. However, the average intelligence quotient of SMA patients has ranged above to below average in different studies. The cognitive development of SMA patients identified through newborn screening remains largely unknown. METHODS 40 of 47 eligible SMA patients (23 females/17 males) from 39 families identified through newborn screening between January 2018 and December 2020 underwent developmental testing using Bayley III (BSID) after the 2 years of age. The mean age was 29.25 months (23-42 months). 17 patients had 2, 11 patients had 3 and 12 patients had ≥4 copies of SMN2. RESULTS cognitive scale: mean 94.55 (SD 24.01); language scale: mean 86.09 (SD 26.41); motor scale: 81.28 (SD 28.07). Overall, the cognitive scales show that 14 children were below average, 20 children were average and 6 children were above average. 10/14 children with below average scores had 2 SMN2 copies. The post-hoc pairwise comparisons showed that the cognition main scale was significantly more sensitive to the number of SMN2 copies than the motor main scale of the BSID (MΔ= 10.27, p = 0.014). There is also evidence that cognition scored higher than the language main scale (MΔ= 7.11, p = 0.090). CONCLUSION The impaired cognitive development of SMA children with 2 SMN2 copies, despite early initiation of therapy, underscores the critical role of the SMN protein in the early stages of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marius Kopka
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laura Modler
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid Blaschek
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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9
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Abiusi E, Costa-Roger M, Bertini ES, Tiziano FD, Tizzano EF, Abiusi E, Baranello G, Bertini E, Boemer F, Burghes A, Codina-Solà M, Costa-Roger M, Dangouloff T, Groen E, Gos M, Jędrzejowska M, Kirschner J, Lemmink HH, Müller-Felber W, Ouillade MC, Quijano-Roy S, Rucinski K, Saugier-Veber P, Tiziano FD, Tizzano EF, Wirth B. 270th ENMC International Workshop: Consensus for SMN2 genetic analysis in SMA patients 10-12 March, 2023, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 34:114-122. [PMID: 38183850 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The 270th ENMC workshop aimed to develop a common procedure to optimize the reliability of SMN2 gene copy number determination and to reinforce collaborative networks between molecular scientists and clinicians. The workshop involved neuromuscular and clinical experts and representatives of patient advocacy groups and industry. SMN2 copy number is currently one of the main determinants for therapeutic decision in SMA patients: participants discussed the issues that laboratories may encounter in this molecular test and the cruciality of the accurate determination, due the implications as prognostic factor in symptomatic patients and in individuals identified through newborn screening programmes. At the end of the workshop, the attendees defined a set of recommendations divided into four topics: SMA molecular prognosis assessment, newborn screening for SMA, SMN2 copies and treatments, and modifiers and biomarkers. Moreover, the group draw up a series of recommendations for the companies manufacturing laboratory kits, that will help to minimize the risk of errors, regardless of the laboratories' expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Public Health and Life Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrico Silvio Bertini
- Research Unit of Neuromuscular Disease, Bambino Gesu’ Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Public Health and Life Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
- Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emanuela Abiusi
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Baranello
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre & Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Italy, Research Unit of Neuromuscular Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - François Boemer
- Biochemical Genetics Lab, Department of Human Genetics, University Hospital, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arthur Burghes
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marta Codina-Solà
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Liege & University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Dangouloff
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewout Groen
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Gos
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Jędrzejowska
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Henny H Lemmink
- AFM Téléthon, Évry, France; SMA Europe; European Alliance for Newborn Screening in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Unit (NEIDF Reference Center at FILNEMUS & Euro-NMD), Child Neurology Department, Raymond Poincaré Hospital (UVSQ), APHP Université Paris Saclay, Garches France
| | - Marie-Christine Ouillade
- Fundacja SMA, Warsaw, Poland; SMA Europe; European Alliance for Newborn Screening in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
| | - Susana Quijano-Roy
- Univ Rouen Normandie, Inserm U1245, Normandie Univ and CHU Rouen, Department of Genetics and Nord/Est/Ile de France Neuromuscular Reference Center, F-76000 Rouen, France
| | - Kacper Rucinski
- Institute of Medical Genomics, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Pascale Saugier-Veber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hopsital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Institute of Medical Genomics, Dept. of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and Complex Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, Roma, Italy
| | - Eduardo Fidel Tizzano
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Area, Vall d'Hebron Hospital; Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hopsital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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10
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Mackels L, Servais L. The Importance of Early Treatment of Inherited Neuromuscular Conditions. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:253-274. [PMID: 38306060 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230189] [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: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
There has been tremendous progress in treatment of neuromuscular diseases over the last 20 years, which has transformed the natural history of these severely debilitating conditions. Although the factors that determine the response to therapy are many and in some instance remain to be fully elucidated, early treatment clearly has a major impact on patient outcomes across a number of inherited neuromuscular conditions. To improve patient care and outcomes, clinicians should be aware of neuromuscular conditions that require prompt treatment initiation. This review describes data that underscore the importance of early treatment of children with inherited neuromuscular conditions with an emphasis on data resulting from newborn screening efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurane Mackels
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Adult Neurology Department, Citadelle Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Neuromuscular Centre, Division of Paediatrics, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
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11
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Sonehara S, Bo R, Nambu Y, Iketani K, Lee T, Shimomura H, Ueda M, Takeshima Y, Iijima K, Nozu K, Nishio H, Awano H. Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A 2.5-Year Experience in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2211. [PMID: 38137033 PMCID: PMC10742789 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122211] [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] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is necessary, as favorable outcomes can be achieved by treatment with disease-modifying drugs in early infancy. Although SMA-NBS has been initiated in Japan, its clinical results have not been fully reported. We report the findings of the initial 2.5 years of a pilot SMA-NBS of approximately 16,000 infants conducted from February 2021 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Clinical data of 17 infants who tested positive were retrospectively obtained from the NBS follow-up centers participating in this multicenter cohort observational study. Genetic testing revealed 14 false positives, and three infants were diagnosed with SMA. Case 1 had two copies of survival motor neuron (SMN) 2 and showed SMA-related symptoms at diagnosis. Case 2 was asymptomatic, with two copies of SMN2. Asymptomatic case 3 had four copies of SMN2 exon 7, including the SMN1/2 hybrid gene. Cases 1 and 2 were treated within 1 month and case 3 at 8 months. All the patients showed improved motor function scores and did not require respiratory support. The identification of infants with SMA via NBS and early treatment improved their motor and respiratory outcomes. Thus, implementation of SMA-NBS at a nationwide scale should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Sonehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Bo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Yoshinori Nambu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Kiiko Iketani
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
- Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital, 1-6-7 Minatozimaminami-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan;
| | - Tomoko Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (H.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Hideki Shimomura
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (H.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Masaaki Ueda
- Department of Pediatrics, Toyooka Public Hospital, 1094 Tobera, Toyooka 668-8501, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (H.S.); (Y.T.)
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children’s Hospital, 1-6-7 Minatozimaminami-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan;
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.S.); (R.B.); (Y.N.); (K.I.); (K.N.)
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Research Initiative Center, Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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12
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Ricci M, Cicala G, Capasso A, Coratti G, Fiori S, Cutrona C, D'Amico A, Sansone VA, Bruno C, Messina S, Mongini T, Coccia M, Siciliano G, Pegoraro E, Masson R, Filosto M, Comi GP, Corti S, Ronchi D, Maggi L, D'Angelo MG, Vacchiano V, Ticci C, Ruggiero L, Verriello L, Ricci FS, Berardinelli AL, Maioli MA, Garibaldi M, Nigro V, Previtali SC, Pera MC, Tizzano E, Pane M, Tiziano FD, Mercuri E. Clinical Phenotype of Pediatric and Adult Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy With Four SMN2 Copies: Are They Really All Stable? Ann Neurol 2023; 94:1126-1135. [PMID: 37695206 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the clinical phenotypes associated with 4 SMN2 copies. METHODS Clinical phenotypes were analyzed in all the patients with 4 SMN2 copies as part of a nationwide effort including all the Italian pediatric and adult reference centers for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). RESULTS The cohort includes 169 patients (102 men and 67 women) with confirmed 4 SMN2 copies (mean age at last follow-up = 36.9 ± 19 years). Six of the 169 patients were presymptomatic, 8 were classified as type II, 145 as type III (38 type IIIA and 107 type IIIB), and 8 as type IV. The remaining 2 patients were asymptomatic adults identified because of a familial case. The cross-sectional functional data showed a reduction of scores with increasing age. Over 35% of the type III and 25% of the type IV lost ambulation (mean age = 26.8 years ± 16.3 SD). The risk of loss of ambulation was significantly associated with SMA type (p < 0.0001), with patients with IIIB and IV less likely to lose ambulation compared to type IIIA. There was an overall gender effect with a smaller number of women and a lower risk for women to lose ambulation. This was significant in the adult (p = 0.009) but not in the pediatric cohort (p = 0.43). INTERPRETATION Our results expand the existing literature on natural history of 4 SMN2 copies confirming the variability of phenotypes in untreated patients, ranging from type II to type IV and an overall reduction of functional scores with increasing age. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:1126-1135.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ricci
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Cicala
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Capasso
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Coratti
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Fiori
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Genomic Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Cutrona
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Department of Neurosciences, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria A Sansone
- The NEMO Center in Milan, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, ASST Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bruno
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, and Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Sonia Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mongini
- AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, presidio Molinette e OIRM (SS Malattie neuromuscolari e SC Neuropsichiatria Infantile), Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Coccia
- Department of Neurological Sciences, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Torrette, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- AOU Pisana (Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine), Neurology Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Masson
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia (Italy), NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo P Comi
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Ronchi
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Developmental Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria G D'Angelo
- NeuroMuscular Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Veria Vacchiano
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Ticci
- Metabolic Unit, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Ruggiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Verriello
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
| | - Federica S Ricci
- AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, presidio Molinette e OIRM (SS Malattie neuromuscolari e SC Neuropsichiatria Infantile), Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Matteo Garibaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
- TIGEM, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Stefano C Previtali
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Pera
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eduardo Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Medicine Genetics Group, VHIR, Hospital Vall Hebron Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marika Pane
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Genomic Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Science and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Angilletta I, Ferrante R, Giansante R, Lombardi L, Babore A, Dell’Elice A, Alessandrelli E, Notarangelo S, Ranaudo M, Palmarini C, De Laurenzi V, Stuppia L, Rossi C. Spinal Muscular Atrophy: An Evolving Scenario through New Perspectives in Diagnosis and Advances in Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14873. [PMID: 37834320 PMCID: PMC10573646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914873] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) linked to 5q is a recessive motor neuron disease characterized by progressive and diffuse weakness and muscular atrophy. SMA is the most common neurodegenerative disease in childhood with an incidence of approximately 1 in 6000-10,000 live births, being long considered a leading cause of hereditary mortality in infancy, worldwide. The classification of SMA is based on the natural history of the disease, with a wide clinical spectrum of onset and severity. We are currently in a new therapeutic era, that, thanks to the widespread use of the newly approved disease-modifying therapies and the possibility of an early administration, should lead to a deep change in the clinical scenario and, thus, in the history of SMA. With the aim to achieve a new view of SMA, in this review we consider different aspects of this neuromuscular disease: the historical perspective, the clinical features, the diagnostic process, the psychological outcome, innovation in treatments and therapies, the possibility of an early identification of affected infants in the pre-symptomatic phase through newborn screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Angilletta
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Rossella Ferrante
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Roberta Giansante
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandra Babore
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Anastasia Dell’Elice
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Elisa Alessandrelli
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Stefania Notarangelo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Marianna Ranaudo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Claudia Palmarini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Claudia Rossi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.A.); (R.F.); (R.G.); (L.L.); (A.D.); (E.A.); (S.N.); (M.R.); (C.P.); (V.D.L.); (L.S.)
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Oskoui M, Servais L. Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2023; 29:1564-1584. [PMID: 37851043 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic assessment and treatment of individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) due to homozygous deletions of SMN1 . LATEST DEVELOPMENTS In recent years, most states have incorporated SMA in their newborn screening panel. To provide the earliest diagnosis possible after symptom onset, vigilance is needed for births in states without newborn screening for SMA and when compound heterozygotes are missed by newborn screening programs. Supportive care for respiratory, nutritional, and orthopedic health impacts outcomes and is the cornerstone of care. Adaptive equipment, including assistive home technology, enables affected individuals to gain autonomy in their daily activities. Pharmacologic treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include three drugs that increase deficient survival motor neuron protein levels through SMN1 - or SMN2 - directed pathways: nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam. Efficacy for these trials was measured in event-free survival (survival without the need for permanent ventilation) and gains in functional motor outcomes. Earlier treatment is most effective across all treatments. ESSENTIAL POINTS The diagnostic and therapeutic landscapes for SMA have seen dramatic advancements in recent years, improving prognosis. Optimized supportive care remains essential, and vigilance is needed to define the new natural history of this disease.
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Dunaway Young S, Montes J, Glanzman AM, Gee R, Day JW, Finkel RS, Darras BT, De Vivo DC, Gambino G, Foster R, Wong J, Garafalo S, Berger Z. Nusinersen Treatment of Children with Later-Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Scoliosis Is Associated with Improvements or Stabilization of Motor Function. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4901. [PMID: 37568304 PMCID: PMC10419863 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nusinersen has been shown to improve or stabilize motor function in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We evaluated baseline scoliosis severity and motor function in nusinersen-treated non-ambulatory children with later-onset SMA. Post hoc analyses were conducted on 95 children initiating nusinersen treatment in the CHERISH study or SHINE long-term extension trial. Participants were categorized by baseline Cobb angle (first nusinersen dose): ≤10°, >10° to ≤20°, and >20° to <40° (no/mild/moderate scoliosis, respectively). Outcome measures included the Hammersmith Functional Motor Score-Expanded (HFMSE) and the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM). Regression analysis determined the relationships between baseline scoliosis severity and later motor function. For children with no, mild, and moderate scoliosis, the mean increase in HFMSE from baseline to Day 930 was 6.0, 3.9, and 0.7 points, and in RULM was 6.1, 4.6, and 2.3 points. In the linear model, a 10° increase in baseline Cobb angle was significantly associated with a -1.4 (95% CI -2.6, -0.2) point decrease in HFMSE (p = 0.02) and a -1.2 (95% CI -2.1, -0.4) point decrease in RULM (p = 0.006) at Day 930. Treatment with nusinersen was associated with improvements/stabilization in motor function in all groups, with greater response in those with no/mild scoliosis at baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Dunaway Young
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jacqueline Montes
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Richard Gee
- Center for Rehabilitation Services, Stanford Children’s Health, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - John W. Day
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Richard S. Finkel
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Darryl C. De Vivo
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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16
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Nishio H, Niba ETE, Saito T, Okamoto K, Takeshima Y, Awano H. Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Past, Present, and Future of Diagnosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11939. [PMID: 37569314 PMCID: PMC10418635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lower motor neuron disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. The first cases of SMA were reported by Werdnig in 1891. Although the phenotypic variation of SMA led to controversy regarding the clinical entity of the disease, the genetic homogeneity of SMA was proved in 1990. Five years later, in 1995, the gene responsible for SMA, SMN1, was identified. Genetic testing of SMN1 has enabled precise epidemiological studies, revealing that SMA occurs in 1 of 10,000 to 20,000 live births and that more than 95% of affected patients are homozygous for SMN1 deletion. In 2016, nusinersen was the first drug approved for treatment of SMA in the United States. Two other drugs were subsequently approved: onasemnogene abeparvovec and risdiplam. Clinical trials with these drugs targeting patients with pre-symptomatic SMA (those who were diagnosed by genetic testing but showed no symptoms) revealed that such patients could achieve the milestones of independent sitting and/or walking. Following the great success of these trials, population-based newborn screening programs for SMA (more precisely, SMN1-deleted SMA) have been increasingly implemented worldwide. Early detection by newborn screening and early treatment with new drugs are expected to soon become the standards in the field of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisahide Nishio
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Emma Tabe Eko Niba
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Research, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Toshio Saito
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, 5-1-1 Toneyama, Toyonaka 560-8552, Japan;
| | - Kentaro Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime Prefectural Imabari Hospital, 4-5-5 Ishi-cho, Imabari 794-0006, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawacho, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan;
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De Siqueira Carvalho AA, Tychon C, Servais L. Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy - what have we learned? Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1005-1012. [PMID: 37635694 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2252179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last decade, the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has become a paradigm of the importance of early and accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Three different therapeutic approaches that aims to increase SMN protein are approved now by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for treatment of SMA; their efficacies have been demonstrated in pivotal trials. AREAS COVERED The authors report on the two controlled studies and real-world evidence that have demonstrated that the treatment of patients pre-symptomatically ensures normal or only slightly sub-normal motor development in children who would otherwise develop a severe form of the disease. Furthermore, the authors highlight the several newborn screening (NBS) methods that are now available, all of which are based on real-time PCR, that reliably and robustly diagnose SMA except in subjects with disease caused by a point mutation. EXPERT OPINION Pre-symptomatic treatment of SMA has been clearly demonstrated to prevent the most severe forms of the disease. NBS constitutes more than a simple test and should be considered as a global process to accelerate treatment access and provide global management of patients and parents. Even though the cost of NBS is low and health economics studies have clearly demonstrated its value, the fear of identifying more patients than the system can treat is often reported in large middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cyril Tychon
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Paediatrics, University and University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Paediatrics, University and University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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18
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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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Aragon-Gawinska K, Mouraux C, Dangouloff T, Servais L. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment in Patients Identified by Newborn Screening-A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1377. [PMID: 37510282 PMCID: PMC10379202 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spinal muscular atrophy, clinical trial results indicated that disease-modifying treatments are highly effective when given prior to symptom onset, which has prompted newborn screening programs in growing number of countries. However, prognosis of those patients cannot be inferred from clinical trials conducted in presymptomatic individuals, as in some cases disease presents very early. METHODS we conducted a systematic review of articles published up to January 2023. RESULTS Among 35 patients with three SMN2 copies treated before 42 days of age and followed-up for at least 18 months, all but one achieved autonomous ambulation. Of 41 patients with two SMN2 copies, who were non-symptomatic at treatment initiation, all achieved a sitting position independently and 31 were able to walk. Of 16 patients with two SMN2 copies followed-up for at least 18 months who presented with symptoms at treatment onset, 3 achieved the walking milestone and all but one were able to sit without support. CONCLUSIONS evaluation of data from 18 publications indicates that the results of early treatment depend on the number of SMN2 copies and the initial neurological status of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Mouraux
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Tamara Dangouloff
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre & NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 0ER, UK
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Singh J, Goodman-Vincent E, Santosh P. Evidence Synthesis of Gene Therapy and Gene Editing from Different Disorders-Implications for Individuals with Rett Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109023. [PMID: 37240368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review and thematic analysis critically evaluated gene therapy trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, haemoglobinopathies, immunodeficiencies, leukodystrophies, lysosomal storage disorders and retinal dystrophies and extrapolated the key clinical findings to individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT). The PRISMA guidelines were used to search six databases during the last decade, followed by a thematic analysis to identify the emerging themes. Thematic analysis across the different disorders revealed four themes: (I) Therapeutic time window of gene therapy; (II) Administration and dosing strategies for gene therapy; (III) Methods of gene therapeutics and (IV) Future areas of clinical interest. Our synthesis of information has further enriched the current clinical evidence base and can assist in optimising gene therapy and gene editing studies in individuals with RTT, but it would also benefit when applied to other disorders. The findings suggest that gene therapies have better outcomes when the brain is not the primary target. Across different disorders, early intervention appears to be more critical, and targeting the pre-symptomatic stage might prevent symptom pathology. Intervention at later stages of disease progression may benefit by helping to clinically stabilise patients and preventing disease-related symptoms from worsening. If gene therapy or editing has the desired outcome, older patients would need concerted rehabilitation efforts to reverse their impairments. The timing of intervention and the administration route would be critical parameters for successful outcomes of gene therapy/editing trials in individuals with RTT. Current approaches also need to overcome the challenges of MeCP2 dosing, genotoxicity, transduction efficiencies and biodistribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology (CIPP) Rett Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Ella Goodman-Vincent
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology (CIPP) Rett Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology (CIPP) Rett Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
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21
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Kimizu T, Ida S, Oki K, Shima M, Nishimoto S, Nakajima K, Ikeda T, Mogami Y, Yanagihara K, Matsuda K, Nishi E, Hasegawa Y, Nozaki M, Fujita H, Irie A, Katayama T, Okamoto N, Imai K, Nishio H, Suzuki Y. Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy in Osaka -challenges in a Japanese pilot study. Brain Dev 2023:S0387-7604(23)00058-X. [PMID: 36973114 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to establish an optional newborn screening program for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA-NBS) in Osaka. METHODS A multiplex TaqMan real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to screen for SMA. Dried blood spot samples obtained for the optional NBS program for severe combined immunodeficiency, which covers about 50% of the newborns in Osaka, were used. To obtain informed consent, participating obstetricians provided information about the optional NBS program to all parents by giving leaflets to prospective parents and uploading the information onto the internet. We prepared a workflow so that babies that were diagnosed with SMA through the NBS could be treated immediately. RESULTS From 1 February 2021 to 30 September 2021, 22,951 newborns were screened for SMA. All of them tested negative for survival motor neuron (SMN)1 deletion, and there were no false-positives. Based on these results, an SMA-NBS program was established in Osaka and included in the optional NBS programs run in Osaka from 1 October 2021. A positive baby was found by screening, diagnosed with SMA (the baby possessed 3 copies of the SMN2 gene and was pre-symptomatic), and treated immediately. CONCLUSION The workflow of the Osaka SMA-NBS program was confirmed to be useful for babies with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Kimizu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan.
| | - Shinobu Ida
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Keisuke Oki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Morimasa Shima
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Shizuka Nishimoto
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Ken Nakajima
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Tae Ikeda
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Yukiko Mogami
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Keiko Yanagihara
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Keiko Matsuda
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Eriko Nishi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Yuiko Hasegawa
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nozaki
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Akemi Irie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Toru Katayama
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Imai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Suzuki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
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22
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Biçer M, Kozan Ş, Öztürk F, Akçay AA. Surgical correction of a ventricular septal defect in a child with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 treated with nusinersen sodium: a case report. J Cardiothorac Surg 2023; 18:68. [PMID: 36759863 PMCID: PMC9909886 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02170-z] [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: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe, inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Cardiac pathology co-existence is reported more frequently in the severely affected patient groups. Structural heart anomalies, mainly septal, and outflow tract defects are commonly observed pathologies. CASE PRESENTATION We herein report the case of a 23 days-old female patient with the diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy type 2 complicated with structural heart defects. Successful pulmonary banding, and at the age of 17 months, subsequent surgical atrial and ventricular septal defect closure were performed on our patient who was under treatment of Nusinersen Sodium. Post-operative recovery was uncomplicated. Cardiac assessments were normal, and the patient was neurologically improving in her recent follow-up. CONCLUSION In the literature, there are no reported cases of successful surgical repair of heart defects in spinal muscular atrophy patients. These patients can be perceived as risky surgical candidates with suboptimal postoperative recovery given the unfavorable disease prognosis of SMA in untreated patients. We report our promising experience with a SMA type 2 patient undergoing a disease-modifying medical treatment. The SMA patients under treatment may be potential candidates for successful surgical cardiac correction given their overall improved prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Biçer
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şima Kozan
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Koç University Hospital, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Figen Öztürk
- Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Arduç Akçay
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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23
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Chien YH, Hwu WL. The modern face of newborn screening. Pediatr Neonatol 2023; 64 Suppl 1:S22-S29. [PMID: 36481189 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) has been developed for years to identify newborns with severe but treatable conditions. Taiwan's NBS system, after the initial setup for a total coverage of newborns in 1990s, was later optimized to ensure the timely return of results in infants with abnormal results. Advancements in techniques such as Tandem mass spectrometry enable the screening into a multiplex format and increase the conditions to be screened. Furthermore, advances in therapies, such as enzyme replacement therapy, stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy, significantly expand the needs for newborn screening. Advances in genomics and biomarkers discovery improve the test accuracy with the assistance of second-tier tests, and have the potential to be the first-tier test in the future. Therefore, challenge of NBS now is the knowledge gap, including the evidence of the long-term clinical benefits in large cohorts especially in conditions with new therapies, phenotypic variations and the corresponding management of some screened diseases, and cost-effectiveness of extended NBS programs. A short-term and a long-term follow-up program should be implemented to gather those outcomes better especially in the genomic era. Ethical and psychosocial issues are also potentially encountered frequently. Essential education and better informed consent should be considered fundamental to parallel those new tests into future NBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Müller-Felber W, Blaschek A, Schwartz O, Gläser D, Nennstiel U, Brockow I, Wirth B, Burggraf S, Röschinger W, Becker M, Durner J, Eggermann K, Kölbel H, Müller C, Hannibal I, Olgemöller B, Schara U, von Moers A, Trollmann R, Johannssen J, Ziegler A, Cirak S, Hahn A, von der Hagen M, Weiss C, Schreiber G, Flotats-Bastardas M, Hartmann H, Illsinger S, Pechmann A, Horber V, Kirschner J, Köhler C, Winter B, Friese J, Vill K. Newbornscreening SMA - From Pilot Project to Nationwide Screening in Germany. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:55-65. [PMID: 36463459 PMCID: PMC9881029 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Now that targeted therapies for spinal muscular atrophy are available, attempts are being made worldwide to include screening for spinal muscular atrophy in general newborn screening. In Germany, after pilot projects from 2018-2021, it was included in the general newborn screening from October 2021. To ensure a smooth transition, criteria for follow-up were developed together with key stakeholders. At the beginning of the transition to nationwide screening, false positive findings were reported in 3 patients. After optimization of the screening method in the laboratories concerned, all findings have been subsequently confirmed. On average, the first presentation to a neuromuscular center occurred on day 12 of life, and in patients with 2 or 3 SMN2 copies, therapy started on day 26 of life. Compared with the pilot project, there was no significant delay in timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany,Correspondence to: Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Müller-Felber, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337 Munich, Germany. E-mail:
| | - Astrid Blaschek
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Muenster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Dieter Gläser
- MVZ Genetikum GmbH, Center for Human Genetics, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | - Uta Nennstiel
- Screening Center of the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Inken Brockow
- Screening Center of the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Genetics Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jürgen Durner
- Labor Becker und Kollegen, Munich, Germany,Department of Operative/Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Pedodontics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Germany
| | - Christine Müller
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Iris Hannibal
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Schara
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Germany
| | - Arpad von Moers
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Neuropädiatrie, DRK Klinikum Westend, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University ofErlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jessika Johannssen
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ziegler
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Child Neurology, University Hospital, Gießen, Germany
| | - Maja von der Hagen
- Abteilung Neuropädiatrie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Weiss
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Schreiber
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | | | - Hans Hartmann
- Hannover Medical School, Clinic for Pediatric Kidney-, Liver- and Metabolic Diseases, OE, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Illsinger
- Hannover Medical School, Clinic for Pediatric Kidney-, Liver- and Metabolic Diseases, OE, Hannover, Germany
| | - Astrid Pechmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Veronka Horber
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Köhler
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Benedikt Winter
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Friese
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Dr. v. Hauner Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU – University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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25
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Glascock J, Darras BT, Crawford TO, Sumner CJ, Kolb SJ, DiDonato C, Elsheikh B, Howell K, Farwell W, Valente M, Petrillo M, Tingey J, Jarecki J. Identifying Biomarkers of Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Further Development. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:937-954. [PMID: 37458045 PMCID: PMC10578234 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by bi-allelic, recessive mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and reduced expression levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord causes progressive skeletal muscle weakness. The wide range of disease severities, variable rates of decline, and heterogenous clinical responses to approved disease-modifying treatment remain poorly understood and limit the ability to optimize treatment for patients. Validation of a reliable biomarker(s) with the potential to support early diagnosis, inform disease prognosis and therapeutic suitability, and/or confirm response to treatment(s) represents a significant unmet need in SMA. OBJECTIVES The SMA Multidisciplinary Biomarkers Working Group, comprising 11 experts in a variety of relevant fields, sought to determine the most promising candidate biomarker currently available, determine key knowledge gaps, and recommend next steps toward validating that biomarker for SMA. METHODS The Working Group engaged in a modified Delphi process to answer questions about candidate SMA biomarkers. Members participated in six rounds of reiterative surveys that were designed to build upon previous discussions. RESULTS The Working Group reached a consensus that neurofilament (NF) is the candidate biomarker best poised for further development. Several important knowledge gaps were identified, and the next steps toward filling these gaps were proposed. CONCLUSIONS NF is a promising SMA biomarker with the potential for prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic capabilities. The Working Group has identified needed information to continue efforts toward the validation of NF as a biomarker for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basil T. Darras
- Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charlotte J. Sumner
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kelly Howell
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, Jackson, WY, USA
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26
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Younger DS. On the path to evidence-based therapy in neuromuscular disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:315-358. [PMID: 37562877 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders encompass a diverse group of acquired and genetic diseases characterized by loss of motor functionality. Although cure is the goal, many therapeutic strategies have been envisioned and are being studied in randomized clinical trials and entered clinical practice. As in all scientific endeavors, the successful clinical translation depends on the quality and translatability of preclinical findings and on the predictive value and feasibility of the clinical models. This chapter focuses on five exemplary diseases: childhood spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorders, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), to illustrate the progress made on the path to evidenced-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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27
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Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by biallelic mutations in the SMN1 (survival motor neuron 1) gene on chromosome 5q13.2, which leads to a progressive degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord and in motor nerve nuclei in the caudal brainstem. It is characterized by progressive proximally accentuated muscle weakness with loss of already acquired motor skills, areflexia and, depending on the phenotype, varying degrees of weakness of the respiratory and bulbar muscles. Over the past decade, disease-modifying therapies have become available based on splicing modulation of the SMN2 with SMN1 gene replacement, which if initiated significantly modifies the natural course of the disease. Newborn screening for SMA has been implemented in an increasing number of centers; however, available evidence for these new treatments is often limited to a small spectrum of patients concerning age and disease stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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28
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Leon-Astudillo C, Byrne BJ, Salloum RG. Addressing the implementation gap in advanced therapeutics for spinal muscular atrophy in the era of newborn screening programs. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1064194. [PMID: 36578307 PMCID: PMC9790909 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1064194] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that results in progressive neuromuscular weakness. Without therapy, the most common form of the disease, type 1, typically results in death or chronic respiratory failure in the first 2 years of life. Thanks to the recent introduction of newborn screening programs and the discovery of three disease-modifying therapies in the last decade, the outcomes of children with SMA have dramatically improved. Patients are able to achieve many, if not all, of the typical neuromotor milestones, such as sitting, standing and walking, as well as safe oral intake. As the natural history of treated patients is continuously evolving, children with SMA continue to require complex and multidisciplinary care, posing implementation and sustainability challenges. Accordingly, there is a significant need for the application and evaluation of implementation science to address the steps involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with SMA, ensuring that all pertinent stakeholders and systems are working effectively to deliver timely and appropriate care. In this manuscript, we discuss the current challenges and gaps in the care for children with SMA, as well as how implementation science can advance this field. In addition, we provide an adapted implementation science framework that includes the main domains and subdomains involved in the care of patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Leon-Astudillo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Carmen Leon-Astudillo
| | - Barry J. Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ramzi G. Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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29
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Kölbel H, Modler L, Blaschek A, Schara-Schmidt U, Vill K, Schwartz O, Müller-Felber W. Parental Burden and Quality of Life in 5q-SMA Diagnosed by Newborn Screening. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121829. [PMID: 36553273 PMCID: PMC9776462 DOI: 10.3390/children9121829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial burden in parents of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), detected by newborn screening (NBS), for which first pilot projects started in January 2018 in Germany. The survey, performed 1-2 years after children's diagnosis of SMA via NBS, included 3 parent-related questionnaires to evaluate the psychosocial burden, quality of life (QoL)/satisfaction and work productivity and activity impairment in the families. 42/44 families, detected between January 2018 and February 2020, could be investigated. Interestingly, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between families with children that received SMN-targeted therapy vs. children with a wait-and-see strategy as to social burden (p = 0.016) and personal strain/worries about the future (p = 0.02). However, the evaluation of QoL showed no significant differences between treated vs. untreated children. Fathers of treated children felt more negative impact regarding their productivities at work (p = 0.005) and more negative effects on daily activities (p = 0.022) than fathers of untreated children. Thus, NBS in SMA has a psychosocial impact on families, not only in terms of diagnosis but especially in terms of treatment, and triggers concerns about the future, emphasizing the need for comprehensive multidisciplinary care. Understanding the parents' perspective allows genetic counselors and NBS programs to proactively develop a care plan for parents during the challenging time of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration, and fear of the unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Kölbel
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-201-723-2176; Fax: +49-201-723-5389
| | - Laura Modler
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Astrid Blaschek
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU–University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Muenster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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30
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Belter L, Mazzella A, O’Brien S, Jarecki J. Knowledge of genetic test results among caregivers and individuals with spinal muscular atrophy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276756. [PMID: 36346824 PMCID: PMC9642888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive recessive genetic disease. Early identification is critical for achieving maximal treatment benefit. Survival motor neuron (SMN) 2 copy number may be a needed descriptor of disease severity than SMA type. Therefore, we assessed knowledge of SMN2 copy number among those with SMA and their caregivers via a phone survey. Only patients with SMA (or their caregivers) registered in the Cure SMA database with no SMN2 copy number on file were eligible. Descriptive results are reported. Backward stepwise multinomial logistic regressions determined if specific factors predicted knowledge of SMN2 copy number. Engagement with the SMA community (odds ratio [OR] 1.82; p<0.0001), ability to walk (OR 1.74; p = 0.006), and current age at time of survey (OR = 0.98; p<0.0001) each positively predicted knowledge of SMN2 copy number. Of 806 completed surveys, the majority (n = 452; 56.3%) did not know SMN2 copy numbers for themselves (n = 190; 62.5%) or their loved ones (n = 261; 52.4%). Of these, 66 respondents (8.2%) said genetic testing had not been done. Motor function increased linearly with increasing SMN2 copy number. SMN2 copy number is emerging as a critical descriptor of severity for SMA as type becomes more obsolete with early drug treatment. Communication of SMN2 copy numbers is recommended as a standard part of the treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Belter
- Research Department, Cure SMA, Elk Grove Village, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Allison Mazzella
- Research Department, Cure SMA, Elk Grove Village, IL, United States of America
- Division of Penn Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perleman Center for Advanced Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Shannon O’Brien
- Community Support Department, Cure SMA, Elk Grove Village, IL, United States of America
| | - Jill Jarecki
- Research Department, Cure SMA, Elk Grove Village, IL, United States of America
- Department of Strategic Risk Management, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., San Rafael, CA, United States of America
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Matteson J, Wu CH, Mathur D, Tang H, Sciortino S, Feuchtbaum L, Bishop T, Sharma SC, Neogi P, Fitzgibbon I, Olney RS. California’s experience with SMA newborn screening: A successful path to early intervention. J Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 9:777-785. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background: Universal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) newborn screening was implemented in California on June 24, 2020. Objective: We describe California’s experience with the first 18 months of SMA newborn screening, including our assay methodology, timeliness of screening and follow-up milestones, and clinical and epidemiological outcomes observed. Methods: Dried blood spots are screened for SMA using multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect deletions of exon 7 in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Short-term follow-up data is collected from clinical staff via an online data collection tool. Results: In the first 18 months, 628,791 newborns from California’s diverse population were tested for SMA. Thirty-four screened positive and were confirmed to have the disorder. Infants were referred, diagnosed, and treated at a median of 8, 12, and 33 days of life, respectively. Nearly all infants received the desired treatment modality, and 62% received treatment while still asymptomatic. Conclusions: SMA newborn screening is a highly sensitive and specific test which identifies infants with SMA early when treatment is most effective. Even with newborn screening’s success in facilitating early intervention, there is still work to be done to expedite treatment, especially for infants with the most severe form of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Matteson
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Cindy H. Wu
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Deepika Mathur
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Hao Tang
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Stanley Sciortino
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Feuchtbaum
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Tracey Bishop
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Sudhir C. Sharma
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Partha Neogi
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Ina Fitzgibbon
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Richard S. Olney
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
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Rojahn S, Hambuch T, Adrian J, Gafni E, Gileta A, Hatchell H, Johnson B, Kallman B, Karfilis K, Kautzer C, Kennemer M, Kirk L, Kvitek D, Lettes J, Macrae F, Mendez F, Paul J, Pellegrino M, Preciado R, Risinger J, Schultz M, Spurka L, Swamy S, Truty R, Usem N, Velenich A, Aradhya S. Scalable detection of technically challenging variants through modified next-generation sequencing. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2072. [PMID: 36251442 PMCID: PMC9747563 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some clinically important genetic variants are not easily evaluated with next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods due to technical challenges arising from high- similarity copies (e.g., PMS2, SMN1/SMN2, GBA1, HBA1/HBA2, CYP21A2), repetitive short sequences (e.g., ARX polyalanine repeats, FMR1 AGG interruptions in CGG repeats, CFTR poly-T/TG repeats), and other complexities (e.g., MSH2 Boland inversions). METHODS We customized our NGS processes to detect the technically challenging variants mentioned above with adaptations including target enrichment and bioinformatic masking of similar sequences. Adaptations were validated with samples of known genotypes. RESULTS Our adaptations provided high-sensitivity and high-specificity detection for most of the variants and provided a high-sensitivity primary assay to be followed with orthogonal disambiguation for the others. The sensitivity of the NGS adaptations was 100% for all of the technically challenging variants. Specificity was 100% for those in PMS2, GBA1, SMN1/SMN2, and HBA1/HBA2, and for the MSH2 Boland inversion; 97.8%-100% for CYP21A2 variants; and 85.7% for ARX polyalanine repeats. CONCLUSIONS NGS assays can detect technically challenging variants when chemistries and bioinformatics are jointly refined. The adaptations described support a scalable, cost-effective path to identifying all clinically relevant variants within a single sample.
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Lee BH, Deng S, Chiriboga CA, Kay DM, Irumudomon O, Laureta E, Delfiner L, Treidler SO, Anziska Y, Sakonju A, Kois C, Farooq O, Engelstad K, Laurenzano A, Hogan K, Caggana M, Saavedra-Matiz CA, Stevens CF, Ciafaloni E. Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in New York State: Clinical Outcomes From the First 3 Years. Neurology 2022; 99:e1527-e1537. [PMID: 35835557 PMCID: PMC9576300 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel in July 2018 largely on the basis of the availability and efficacy of newly approved disease-modifying therapies. New York State (NYS) started universal newborn screening for SMA in October 2018. The authors report the findings from the first 3 years of screening. METHODS Statewide neonatal screening was conducted using DNA extracted from dried blood spots using a real-time quantitative PCR assay. Retrospective follow-up data were collected from 9 referral centers across the state on 34 infants. RESULTS In the first 3 years since statewide implementation, nearly 650,000 infants have been screened for SMA. Thirty-four babies screened positive and were referred to a neuromuscular specialty care center. The incidence remains lower than previously predicted. The majority (94%), including all infants with 2-3 copies of survival motor neuron (SMN) 2, have received treatment. Among treated infants, the overwhelming majority (94%; 30/32) have received gene replacement. All infants in this cohort with 3 copies of SMN2 are clinically asymptomatic posttreatment based on early clinical follow-up data. Infants with 2 copies of SMN2 are more variable in their outcomes. Electrodiagnostic outcomes data obtained from a subgroup of patients (n = 11) demonstrated either improvement or no change in compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude at last clinical follow-up compared with pretreatment baseline. Most infants were treated before 6 weeks of age (median = 34.5 days of life; range 11-180 days). Delays and barriers to treatment identified by treating clinicians followed 2 broad themes: medical and nonmedical. Medical delays most commonly reported were the presence of AAV9 antibodies and elevated troponin I levels. Nonmedical barriers included delays in obtaining insurance and insurance policies regarding specific treatment modalities. DISCUSSION The findings from the NYS cohort of newborn screen-identified infants are consistent with other reports of improved outcomes from early diagnosis and treatment. Additional biomarkers of motor neuron health including EMG can potentially be helpful in detecting preclinical decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hoon Lee
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY.
| | - Stella Deng
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Claudia A Chiriboga
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Denise M Kay
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Obehioya Irumudomon
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Emma Laureta
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Leslie Delfiner
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Simona O Treidler
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Yaacov Anziska
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Ai Sakonju
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Chelsea Kois
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Osman Farooq
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Kristin Engelstad
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Alexandra Laurenzano
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Katherine Hogan
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Michele Caggana
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Carlos A Saavedra-Matiz
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Colleen F Stevens
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- From the Department of Neurology (B.H.L., S.D., E.C.), University of Rochester NY; Columbia University (C.A.C., K.E., A.L.), Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, New York, NY; Newborn Screening Program (D.M.K., M.C., C.A.S.-M., C.F.S.), Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany; Cohen Children's Medical Center (O.I., E.L., K.H.), New Hyde Park, NY; Montefiore Medical Center (L.D.), Bronx, NY; Stony Brook University (S.O.T.), Department of Neurology, Stony Brook, NY; SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Y.A.), Brooklyn, NY; SUNY Upstate Medical Center (A.S.), Department of Neurology, Syracuse, NY; Albany Medical Center (C.K.), Department of Pediatrics, Genetics and Metabolism, NY; and University of Buffalo (O.F.), NY
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Okamoto K, Nishio H, Motoki T, Jogamoto T, Aibara K, Kondo Y, Kawamura K, Konishi Y, Tokorodani C, Nishiuchi R, Eguchi M. Changes in the Incidence of Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Shikoku, Japan between 2011 and 2020. Int J Neonatal Screen 2022; 8:ijns8040052. [PMID: 36278622 PMCID: PMC9590054 DOI: 10.3390/ijns8040052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder. Al-though there was no cure for SMA, newly developed therapeutic drugs (nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam) have been proven effective for the improvement of motor function and prevention of respiratory insufficiency of infants with SMA. Nusinersen was introduced in Japan in 2017 and onasemnogene abeparvovec in 2020. We hypothesized that the introduction of these drugs might influence the incidence of SMA (more precisely, increase the diagnosis rate of SMA) in Japan. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a second epidemiological study of infantile SMA using questionnaires in Shikoku, Japan between October 2021 and February 2022. The incidence of infantile SMA during the period 2016-2020 was 7.08 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.45-11.71) per 100,000 live births. According to our previous epidemiological study, the incidence of infantile SMA during 2011-2015 was 2.70 (95% CI 0.05-5.35) per 100,000 live births. The increased incidence of infantile SMA suggests that the widespread news in Japan regarding the introduction of therapeutic agents, nusinersen and onasemnogene abeparvovec, raised clinicians' awareness about SMA, leading to increased and earlier diagnosis of SMA in Shikoku.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime Prefectural Imabari Hospital, 4-5-5 Ishi-cho, Imabari 794-0006, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-898-32-7111
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Arise, Ikawadani-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Takahiro Motoki
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Jogamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kaori Aibara
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, 1 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8524, Japan
| | - Yoichi Kondo
- Department of Pediatrics, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, 1 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8524, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kawamura
- Toseikai Healthcare Corporation, Life-Long Care Clinic for Disabled People, 14-3-10 Maeda 4 jo, Teine-ku, Sapporo 006-0814, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Konishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikedo, Miki-cho, Kita 761-0701, Japan
| | - Chiho Tokorodani
- Department of Pediatrics, Kochi Health Sciences Center, 2125-1 Ike, Kochi 781-8555, Japan
| | - Ritsuo Nishiuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kochi Health Sciences Center, 2125-1 Ike, Kochi 781-8555, Japan
| | - Mariko Eguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon 791-0295, Japan
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35
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Milligan JN, Blasco-Pérez L, Costa-Roger M, Codina-Solà M, Tizzano EF. Recommendations for Interpreting and Reporting Silent Carrier and Disease-Modifying Variants in SMA Testing Workflows. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1657. [PMID: 36140824 PMCID: PMC9498682 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic testing for SMA diagnosis, newborn screening, and carrier screening has become a significant public health interest worldwide, driven largely by the development of novel and effective molecular therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the corresponding updates to testing guidelines. Concurrently, understanding of the underlying genetics of SMA and their correlation with a broad range of phenotypes and risk factors has also advanced, particularly with respect to variants that modulate disease severity or impact residual carrier risks. While testing guidelines are beginning to emphasize the importance of these variants, there are no clear guidelines on how to utilize them in a real-world setting. Given the need for clarity in practice, this review summarizes several clinically relevant variants in the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, including how they inform outcomes for spinal muscular atrophy carrier risk and disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Blasco-Pérez
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Codina-Solà
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo F. Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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36
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Sawada T, Kido J, Sugawara K, Yoshida S, Ozasa S, Nomura K, Okada K, Fujiyama N, Nakamura K. Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy in Japan: One year of experience. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2022; 32:100908. [PMID: 35942129 PMCID: PMC9356196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2022.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a degenerative neuromuscular disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy due to loss of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord. Although effective treatments, such as gene therapy, have emerged in recent years, their therapeutic efficacy depends on a restricted time window of treatment initiation. For the treatment to be effective, it must be started before symptoms of the disease emerge. For this purpose, newborn screening (NBS) for SMA is conducted in many countries worldwide. The NBS program for SMA has been initiated in Japan in several regions, including the Kumamoto Prefecture. We started the NBS program in February 2021 and detected a patient with SMA after screening 13,587 newborns in the first year. Herein, we report our experience with the NBS program for SMA and discuss an issue to be approached in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Sawada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jun Kido
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Keishin Sugawara
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Shiro Ozasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Keiko Nomura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kentaro Okada
- Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Natsumi Fujiyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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37
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Xu B, Wei C, Hu X, Li W, Huang Z, Que C, Qiu J, Li C, Xiong H. Scoliosis Orthopedic Surgery Combined With Nusinersen Intrathecal Injection Significantly Improved the Outcome of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patient: A Case Report. Front Neurol 2022; 13:869230. [PMID: 35547367 PMCID: PMC9082934 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.869230] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variation of the survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene. Symptoms of SMA include progressive limb muscle weakness, atrophy, and severe scoliosis. Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide that can enhance the production of the SMN protein. Here, we report a case with scoliosis who received orthopedic surgery combined with Nusinersen intrathecal injections. Case Presentation Scoliosis orthopedic surgery followed by Nusinersen intrathecal injections was given to a 16-year-old girl who had thoracic and lumbar scoliosis and type 3 SMA. Surgery was performed for T3-S2 posterolateral fusion (PLF), with a channel left on the vertebral laminae of L3-L4. The balance of the spine and pelvis was significantly improved and the height increased by 9 cm. Lumbar puncture was conducted with local anesthesia under ultrasound and CT guidance through the laminae channel and Nusinersen was successfully injected. Comparing the two approaches, real-time ultrasound guidance for intrathecal Nusinersen injections after spinal surgery is preferred, however, CT guidance is an alternative if the initial puncture procedure is difficult. After the aforementioned multidisciplinary treatment, a good outcome was achieved, as demonstrated by a 2-point increase in RULM and MFM32 scores 2 months later. Conclusion Scoliosis orthopedic surgery combined with Nusinersen intrathecal injection is an effective treatment for SMA patients with scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beiyu Xu
- Department of Orthopedic/Spine Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cuijie Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhu Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chengli Que
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxing Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunde Li
- Department of Orthopedic/Spine Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Sutherland CS, Hudson P, Mitchell S, Paracha N. Systematic Literature Review to Identify Utility Values in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Their Caregivers. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:39-67. [PMID: 34907515 PMCID: PMC8994729 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life for patients with SMA and their caregivers. Utility values ('utilities') are used in health economic analyses to incorporate individual or societal perspectives regarding the desirability of health outcomes such as a certain health state or change in health states over time. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to identify published utilities associated with patients with SMA and their caregivers and to determine the extent to which Health Technology Assessment (HTA) requirements of methods used to generate utilities are met. A secondary objective was to broaden the scope to identify utilities associated with other (non-SMA) neuromuscular disorders. METHODS A comprehensive search to capture published utilities associated with patients with SMA and their caregivers was performed in 2019 and updated in 2021 using several electronic databases in addition to supplementary sources. As we anticipated that few published utilities associated with SMA would be identified, the search also captured utilities for other (non-SMA) neuromuscular disorders that may serve as useful surrogate values for studies of SMA and other rare diseases. Electronic searches were performed in Embase, MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, and EconLit via the Ovid platform and were supplemented by searches of the grey literature (reference lists, conference proceedings, global HTA body websites, and other relevant sources). Study eligibility criteria were based on the population, interventions, comparators, and outcomes (PICO) framework. The quality of the full-text publications was assessed using a checklist based on UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence technical support documents. RESULTS In total, 14 publications that reported SMA-related patient or caregiver utilities or disutilities met the eligibility criteria to be included in the SLR; the included studies demonstrate the substantial health-related quality-of-life burden of SMA on both patients with SMA and their caregivers. A variety of preference-based measures were used to derive utilities for patients with SMA and their caregivers. Different methods for collecting utility data included patient and proxy assessment of health states using questionnaires, vignette methodologies, structured forms of expert elicitation, and mapped data from results of clinical trials. A range of utilities was reported from both patient- and proxy-reported data, which reflects the degree of disability associated with early- and later-onset SMA. Methods for deriving utilities were assessed with respect to three reference cases from HTA bodies in the UK, the USA, and Canada. None of the 14 publications met the requirements of all three HTA bodies because of differing tariff requirements between countries; one study met the requirements of HTA bodies in Canada and the UK. Also, six studies did not report the method of valuation, which precluded analysis with respect to the HTA reference cases. CONCLUSIONS This SLR provides a comprehensive repository of the currently available utilities relevant to patients with SMA and their caregivers. This SLR provides recommendations for establishing consensus on the approach to generating utility values for the SMA patient population and their caregivers for health economic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simone Sutherland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124 Building 001/OG13, CH 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Noman Paracha
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124 Building 001/OG13, CH 4070, Basel, Switzerland
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Zettler B, Estrella E, Liaquat K, Lichten L. Evolving approaches to prenatal genetic counseling for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the new treatment era. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:803-814. [PMID: 35037741 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy with usually typical cognition. The first disease-modifying therapy for SMA, nusinersen, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 and leads to improved outcomes, especially when administered presymptomatically. Population-wide carrier screening and newborn screening (NBS) are now recommended by several professional organizations to promote reproductive autonomy, early diagnosis, and treatment. Prenatal genetic counselors (GCs) are important providers of the SMA screening and diagnosis process, but the possible impact of nusinersen on their practice has not been explored. A survey of 182 prenatal GCs in the United States (US) assessed baseline knowledge of nusinersen and likelihood of discussing this option with prospective parents. The majority of GCs (94.5%) were aware of this drug, and almost all (87.3%) felt that this information would affect pregnancy management decisions. However, less than half of GCs (49.2%) felt confident discussing nusinersen, 45.1% were unaware if this treatment was available in their practice setting, and one in five (19.3%) did not know where to find information about SMA treatments. Participants were more confident and knowledgeable about NBS for SMA, and several indicated that NBS would reduce their emphasis on carrier screening and diagnostic testing, not recognizing that an early prenatal diagnosis can enable preparations for complex, time-sensitive treatment. Only 5.0% of participants felt that a prenatal GC should discuss nusinersen with prospective parents. However, encouragingly, nearly all GCs who felt confident discussing this treatment option (86.4%) reported using this information weekly in their real-world practice. These data highlight an opportunity to provide up-to-date education about SMA treatments, as well as the significant impacts of early diagnosis. Additionally, interdisciplinary communication and care may be appropriate to clarify healthcare resources available and support a variety of patient needs. Increasing awareness and confidence about available options can help prenatal GCs empower patient autonomy and shared decision-making in the new era of disease-modifying treatment for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Zettler
- Genetic Counseling, Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elicia Estrella
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Khalida Liaquat
- Quest Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Lichten
- Genetic Counseling, Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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40
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Deng S, Lee BH, Ciafaloni E. Parent Perceptions in Choosing Treatment for Infants With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Diagnosed Through Newborn Screening. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:43-49. [PMID: 34753336 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211040292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors parents considered in treatment decision making for children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy on newborn screening. METHODS Participants were recruited through the University of Rochester or through flyers and Cure SMA social media outreach and asked to complete a telephone or online survey. Data were analyzed through mixed methods using descriptive statistics and theme identification in narrative responses. RESULTS Eighteen parents with children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy on newborn screening participated. Thirteen of 18 chose onasemnogene abeparvovec, 2 of 18 chose risdiplam, 1 of 18 chose nusinersen, and 2 of 18 did not receive treatment. The most commonly reported factors impacting treatment choice included treatment frequency and administration method. Seventeen (94.4%) parents felt that inclusion of spinal muscular atrophy on newborn screening was positive because it could allow for better outcomes with earlier treatment. CONCLUSION Treatment frequency and administration method were the most important factors for parents in determining spinal muscular atrophy treatment. Parents felt positively about newborn screening due to opportunity for earlier treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Deng
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Bo Hoon Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Sicko RJ, Romitti PA, Browne ML, Brody LC, Stevens CF, Mills JL, Caggana M, Kay DM. Rare Variants in RPPH1 Real-Time Quantitative PCR Control Assay Binding Sites Result in Incorrect Copy Number Calls. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:33-40. [PMID: 34656763 PMCID: PMC8802765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.09.007] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) using RPPH1 as a reference gene is a standard method for assessment and validation of genomic copy number variations. However, variants in the reference amplicon may cause errors, which was investigated herein. While conducting copy number variation validations for birth defects research studies, 13 of 1634 specimens with multiple loci that appeared to be present as three copies were unexpectedly detected. This apparent trisomy was hypothesized to be an amplification artifact caused by a variant in the RPPH1 amplicon. Sequencing revealed all 13 individuals carried one of the four different variants within the RPPH1 amplicon. These variants could produce allelic dropout or altered reaction efficiency, causing an inaccurate measurement of copy number. Additional genotyping predicted a low frequency of the most common variant (rs3093876; 14/3562 alleles; minor allele frequency, 0.39%). Laboratories should recognize the potential for inaccurate results when using a single qPCR control assay. Overestimated CFTR and SMN2 copy numbers identified during newborn screening that otherwise would have been incorrectly called were also detected. Variants in reference loci may produce false-negative normal results for test loci when real deletions are present. For clinical laboratories screening for heterozygous deletions for diagnostic testing or prenatal/carrier screening via qPCR, the most cost-effective solution to maximize sensitivity is to run triplex reactions targeting the region of interest with two control genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Sicko
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Paul A Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- Birth Defects Registry, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York; University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Lawrence C Brody
- Genetics and Environment Interaction Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Colleen F Stevens
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - James L Mills
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michele Caggana
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Denise M Kay
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York.
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Hepkaya E, Kılınç Sakallı AA, Ülkersoy İ, Başkan AK, Arslan H, Meral Ö, Dilek TD, Güler S, Saltık S, Çokuğraş H. The effects of nusinersen treatment on respiratory status of children with spinal muscular atrophy. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e15310. [PMID: 36310036 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory involvement is the main factor predicting the prognosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Significant responses in motor functions have been demonstrated with nusinersen, but pulmonary outcomes are still varied. We aimed to explore the effects of nusinersen on the respiratory functions of patients with SMA. METHODS Patients with SMA who were receiving regular nusinersen treatment in our tertiary care hospital were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the patients in terms of the necessity to ventilatory or nutritional support, presence of motor involvement and other comorbidities related with prognosis at three consecutive assessments. RESULTS The study group consisted of 43 patients (18 type 1, 12 type 2, and 13 type 3) with SMA with a mean age of 27.8 months at diagnosis and 60.8 months at the beginning of nusinersen treatment. The respiratory function improvements were noted in six patients at third assessment. Early initiation of nusinersen was significantly correlated with reduced hospital admissions (P = 0.026). Nutritional support and weight gain were remarkable in the ventilatory-supported group. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scores were significantly higher in the non-tracheostomized group in patients with SMA type 1 (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS We posit that nusinersen may change the natural prognosis of SMA and improve care of children with SMA. Following up children with SMA for longer periods under nusinersen may be beneficial for understanding the effects of treatment. Results of our study need to be supported by future long-term studies to reach a consensus on nusinersen, considering the overall genetic and environmental status as well as the cost-effectiveness of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evrim Hepkaya
- Departments of 1Pediatric Pulmonology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Ayzıt Kılınç Sakallı
- Departments of 1Pediatric Pulmonology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İpek Ülkersoy
- Pediatrics, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Azer Kılıç Başkan
- Departments of 1Pediatric Pulmonology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Arslan
- Departments of 1Pediatric Pulmonology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özge Meral
- Departments of 1Pediatric Pulmonology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğçe Damla Dilek
- Pediatric Neurology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serhat Güler
- Department of Pediatric Neurology/Faculty of Medicine, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Saltık
- Pediatric Neurology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haluk Çokuğraş
- Departments of 1Pediatric Pulmonology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Waldrop MA, Connolly AM, Mendell JR. An evaluation of onasemnogene abeparvovec for spinal muscular atrophy (SMN1). Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2021.2003778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Waldrop
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus OH USA
| | - Anne M. Connolly
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus OH USA
| | - Jerry R. Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus OH USA
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44
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Kariyawasam DST, D'Silva AM, Herbert K, Howells J, Carey K, Kandula T, Farrar MA, Lin CSY. Axonal excitability changes in children with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen. J Physiol 2021; 600:95-109. [PMID: 34783018 DOI: 10.1113/jp282249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is associated with developmental disruption of motor axons in ventral roots of the spinal cord alongside motor axon degeneration. The pathogenesis of peripheral axonal change during development is pertinent to understand treatment response. Nerve excitability techniques, stimulating the median motor nerve at the wrist, were utilised to investigate axonal change during neurodevelopment in 24 children with SMA, compared with 71 age-matched controls. Longitudinal axonal response to nusinersen treatment in 18 children was also investigated. Significant differences in axonal development were noted in the youngest children with SMA, signified by reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) (P = 0.030), higher axonal threshold (P = 0.016), rheobase (minimal current amplitude of infinite duration, required to generate an action potential) (P = 0.012) and greater changes in depolarising and hyperpolarising threshold electrotonus. Subexcitability increased in all children with SMA, compared to controls. With treatment, nerve excitability changes were observed prominently in young children, with increases in CMAP, reduction in axonal threshold, fanning-in of threshold electrotonus, increase in resting current-threshold slope and reduction in subexcitability. Whilst motor axons continue to mature in SMA, developmental delays in passive and active membrane properties occur especially in early childhood. Concurrently, motor axons actively undergo degeneration. Nusinersen restores the developmental trajectory of motor axons reducing degeneration, especially in children with early treatment initiation. Our findings move the field forward in understanding the developmental aspect of childhood-onset motor neurone diseases and changes in axonal function associated with disease modification. KEY POINTS: Pathomechanisms in spinal muscular atrophy involve concurrent neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes. The greatest delays in maturation of the passive and active properties of the peripheral motor axon are seen in early childhood. Nusinersen facilitates developmental recovery of the motor axon whilst also reducing neurodegeneration. Axonal dysfunction is reversed with SMN repletion particularly when intervention occurs early in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didu S T Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Randwick, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arlene M D'Silva
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Herbert
- Department of Physiotherapy, Randwick, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Howells
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Carey
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tejaswi Kandula
- Department of Neurology, Randwick, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Randwick, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cindy Shin-Yi Lin
- Translational Research Collective, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Edinoff AN, Nguyen LH, Odisho AS, Maxey BS, Pruitt JW, Girma B, Cornett EM, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. The Antisense Oligonucleotide Nusinersen for Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2021; 13:24934. [PMID: 34745470 DOI: 10.52965/001c.24934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, autosomal recessive neuromuscular degenerative disease characterized by loss of spinal cord motor neurons leading to progressive muscle wasting. The most common pathology results from a homozygous disruption in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene on chromosome 5q13 via deletion, conversion, or mutation. SMN2 is a near duplicate of SMN1 that can produce full-length SMN mRNA transcripts, but its overall production capability of these mRNA transcripts is lower than that seen in SMN1. This leads to lower levels of functional SMN protein within motor neurons. The FDA approved nusinersen in December 2016 to treat SMA associated with SMN1 gene mutation. It is administered directly to the central nervous system by intrathecal injection. An antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drug, nusinersen, provides an upcoming and promising treatment option for SMA and represents a novel pharmacological approach with a mechanism of action relevant for other neurodegenerative disorders. Nusinersen begins with four initial loading doses that are followed by three maintenance doses per year. Three major studies (CHERISH, ENDEAR, and NURTURE) have shown to improve motor function in early and late-onset individuals and reduce the chances of ventilator requirements in pre-symptomatic infants. Studies investigating the timing of drug delivery in mouse models of SMA report the best outcomes when drugs are delivered early before any significant motor function is lost. Nusinersen is a novel therapeutic approach with consistent results in all three studies and is proof of the novel concept for treating SMA and other neurodegenerative disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Long H Nguyen
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
| | - Amira S Odisho
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
| | | | - John W Pruitt
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
| | - Brook Girma
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
| | | | - Adam M Kaye
- Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center Shreveport
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Kakazu J, Walker NL, Babin KC, Trettin KA, Lee C, Sutker PB, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. Risdiplam for the Use of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2021; 13:25579. [PMID: 34745484 DOI: 10.52965/001c.25579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the leading causes of death in infants related to the degeneration of neurons. Currently, there are no curative treatment options for SMA, and many options available may not be feasible. This review presents the background, clinical studies, and indications for the use of Risdiplam in treating SMA. SMA causes a decrease in the production of survival motor neuron proteins (SMN) and current treatments target to increase the expression of SMN. Risdiplam is the first and only oral medication to be approved to treat SMA. As an SMN2 splicing modifier, it has provided stronger systemic therapies than previous intrathecal and gene replacement therapies. There have been many efforts to treat SMA with multidisciplinary approaches. These include intrathecal injections to gene replacement therapies. However, these have been faced with limitations such as reaching a good therapeutic dose in systemic tissues, route of administration, and price. Risdiplam is currently the only orally administered drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of SMA. It not only provides a good therapeutic window to systemic tissues but allows for a non-invasive approach in infants. Further investigation and comparison on the safety profile of Risdiplam due to its broader systemic effect should be considered with other available therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyeon Kakazu
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington DC
| | - Nakoma L Walker
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
| | | | | | - Christopher Lee
- Creighton University School of Medicine-Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, AZ
| | | | - Adam M Kaye
- Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Department of Anesthesiology, New Orleans, LA; Provost, Chief Academic Officer, Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Professor, Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, LSU Health Shreveport
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47
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Mercuri E. Spinal muscular atrophy: from rags to riches. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:998-1003. [PMID: 34736637 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a short history of spinal muscular atrophy, from the first descriptions of the disease to the impact of the most recent therapeutical advances on the disease course. The paper provides an overview of how the field has progressed over the years after the availability of care recommendations and, more recently of the new therapies. The paper also highlights the new challenges related to the interpretation of the efficacy of the new therapies and how these are likely to affect several aspects such as the classification of spinal muscular atrophy. We will also discuss the need for further work to better define possible new phenotypes and new methods of assessments and how these should be reflected in the care recommendations. The results in presymptomatic patients will finally highlight the need for neonatal screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy; Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Chen G, Sharif B, Gerber B, Farris MS, Cowling T, Cabalteja C, Wu JW, Maturi B, Klein-Panneton K. Epidemiology, healthcare resource utilization and healthcare costs for spinal muscular atrophy in Alberta, Canada. J Med Econ 2021; 24:51-59. [PMID: 34906030 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2021.2013676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disease associated with the degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. Studies examining the epidemiology and economic impact of SMA are limited in Canada. This study aimed to estimate the epidemiology as well as healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and healthcare costs for children with SMA in Alberta, Canada. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study using anonymized data from administrative healthcare databases provided by Alberta Health. Data from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2018, were extracted for patients <18 years of age identified with SMA. Five-year incidence and prevalence were calculated for cases identified between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2017. HRU and healthcare costs were assessed one year after SMA diagnosis, including hospitalizations, physician visits, ambulatory care visits and long-term care admissions. RESULTS The five-year incidence and prevalence of pediatric onset SMA were 1.03 per 100,000 person-years and 9.97 per 100,000 persons, respectively. General practitioner, specialist, and ambulatory care visits were common among children with SMA in the first-year post-diagnosis. The mean (SD) total annual direct cost per patient in the first-year post-diagnosis was $29,774 ($38,407); hospitalizations accounted for 41.7% of these costs ($12,412 [$21,170]), followed by practitioner visits at 32.3% ($9,615 [$13,054]), and ambulatory care visits at 26.0% ($7,746 [$9,988]). CONCLUSIONS Children with SMA experience substantial HRU, particularly for hospitalizations and practitioner visits, following diagnosis. Given the high costs of SMA, timely access to effective treatment strategies, such as the novel survival motor neuron (SMN)-restoring treatments recently approved for use, are needed to improve health outcomes and HRU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanmin Chen
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Behnam Sharif
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brittany Gerber
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan S Farris
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tara Cowling
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer W Wu
- Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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Kölbel H, Vill K, Schwartz O, Blaschek A, Nennstiel U, Schara-Schmidt U, Hoffmann GF, Gläser D, Röschinger W, Bernert G, Klein A, Müller-Felber W. [Newborn screening program for spinal muscular atrophy]. DER NERVENARZT 2021; 93:135-141. [PMID: 34652481 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of a comprehensive newborn screening program for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), specifically for 5q-SMA, is planned for the end of 2021 in Germany. Several targeted treatment options have become available for all patients with SMA. MATERIAL AND METHODS Newborn screening for 5q-SMA is based on the detection of a homozygous deletion of exon 7 in the SMN1 gene by molecular genetic analysis from the dried blood card. In all cases a second blood sample must be drawn as a part of confirmation diagnostics including the determination of the SMN2 copy numbers. RESULTS Insights from pilot projects performed in parts of Germany are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of the screening project are discussed. CONCLUSION Consultation and treatment should be carried out in a department of neuropediatrics with experience in the treatment of children with 5q-SMA, which is able to provide all current treatment options for the child, so that, when necessary, the treatment can be started within the first month of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Kölbel
- Klinik für Kinderheilkunde, Kinderklinik 1/Neuropädiatrie, Universitätsmedizin Essen (UME), Hufelandstr. 55, Essen, Deutschland.
| | - Katharina Vill
- Dr. v. Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, Deutschland
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, UKM, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Astrid Blaschek
- Dr. v. Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, Deutschland
| | - Uta Nennstiel
- Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, Oberschleißheim, Deutschland
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Klinik für Kinderheilkunde, Kinderklinik 1/Neuropädiatrie, Universitätsmedizin Essen (UME), Hufelandstr. 55, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, UKHD, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Klein
- Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel, UKBB, Basel, Schweiz.,Inselspital, Universitäts-Kinderklinik Bern, Bern, Schweiz
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Dr. v. Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, Deutschland
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Dangouloff T, Boemer F, Servais L. Newborn screening of neuromuscular diseases. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:1070-1080. [PMID: 34620514 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases represent an heterogenous group of more than 400 diseases, with a very broad phenotypic spectrum. Given their rarity and complexity, neuromuscular diseases are often diagnosed with a very significant delay after which irreversible muscle damage may limit the efficacy of treatments when available. In this context, neonatal screening could constitute a solution for early detection and treatment. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed up to May 1, 2021, was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, including classical neuromuscular diseases and diseases with a clear peripheral nervous system involvement (including central nervous system disease with severe neuropathy). We found seven diseases for which newborn screening data were reported: spinal muscular atrophy (9), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (9), Pompe disease (8), X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (5), Krabbe disease (4), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (1), metachromatic leukodystrophy (1). The future of newborn screening for neuromuscular disorders pass through a global technological switch, from a biochemical to a genetic-based approach. The rapid development of therapy also requires the possibility to quickly adapt the list of treated conditions, to allow innovative therapies to achieve their best efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Dangouloff
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège & University of Liège, Belgium.
| | - François Boemer
- Biochemical Genetics Lab, Department of Human Genetics, CHU of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Servais
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège & University of Liège, Belgium; MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, UK.
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