1
|
McPheron MA, Felker MV. Clinical perspectives: Treating spinal muscular atrophy. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00402-7. [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] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Therrell BL, Padilla CD, Borrajo GJC, Khneisser I, Schielen PCJI, Knight-Madden J, Malherbe HL, Kase M. Current Status of Newborn Bloodspot Screening Worldwide 2024: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Activities (2020-2023). Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:38. [PMID: 38920845 PMCID: PMC11203842 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020038] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) began in the early 1960s based on the work of Dr. Robert "Bob" Guthrie in Buffalo, NY, USA. His development of a screening test for phenylketonuria on blood absorbed onto a special filter paper and transported to a remote testing laboratory began it all. Expansion of NBS to large numbers of asymptomatic congenital conditions flourishes in many settings while it has not yet been realized in others. The need for NBS as an efficient and effective public health prevention strategy that contributes to lowered morbidity and mortality wherever it is sustained is well known in the medical field but not necessarily by political policy makers. Acknowledging the value of national NBS reports published in 2007, the authors collaborated to create a worldwide NBS update in 2015. In a continuing attempt to review the progress of NBS globally, and to move towards a more harmonized and equitable screening system, we have updated our 2015 report with information available at the beginning of 2024. Reports on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, missing in 2015, have been included. Tables popular in the previous report have been updated with an eye towards harmonized comparisons. To emphasize areas needing attention globally, we have used regional tables containing similar listings of conditions screened, numbers of screening laboratories, and time at which specimen collection is recommended. Discussions are limited to bloodspot screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradford L. Therrell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Carmencita D. Padilla
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines;
| | - Gustavo J. C. Borrajo
- Detección de Errores Congénitos—Fundación Bioquímica Argentina, La Plata 1908, Argentina;
| | - Issam Khneisser
- Jacques LOISELET Genetic and Genomic Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Peter C. J. I. Schielen
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jennifer Knight-Madden
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research—Sickle Cell Unit, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Helen L. Malherbe
- Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa;
- Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, The Station Office, Bryanston, Sandton 2021, South Africa
| | - Marika Kase
- Strategic Initiatives Reproductive Health, Revvity, PL10, 10101 Turku, Finland;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Voight S, Arya K. Considerations for Treatment in Clinical Care of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:495. [PMID: 38671712 PMCID: PMC11049032 DOI: 10.3390/children11040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease which can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and in some cases death. There are many factors that contribute to the severity of symptoms and those factors can be used to determine the best course of treatment for the patients. We looked through published literature to create a set of considerations for treatment in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy including age, type, SMN2 copies, and any familial considerations. This can serve as a guide for what to consider in the treatment of SMA patients clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Voight
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
| | - Kapil Arya
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yeo CJJ, Tizzano EF, Darras BT. Challenges and opportunities in spinal muscular atrophy therapeutics. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:205-218. [PMID: 38267192 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy was the most common inherited cause of infant death until 2016, when three therapies became available: the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen, gene replacement therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec, and the small-molecule splicing modifier risdiplam. These drugs compensate for deficient survival motor neuron protein and have improved lifespan and quality of life in infants and children with spinal muscular atrophy. Given the lifelong implications of these innovative therapies, ways to detect and manage treatment-modified disease characteristics are needed. All three drugs are more effective when given before development of symptoms, or as early as possible in individuals who have already developed symptoms. Early subtle symptoms might be missed, and disease onset might occur in utero in severe spinal muscular atrophy subtypes; in some countries, newborn screening is allowing diagnosis soon after birth and early treatment. Adults with spinal muscular atrophy report stabilisation of disease and less fatigue with treatment. These subjective benefits need to be weighed against the high costs of the drugs to patients and health-care systems. Clinical consensus is required on therapeutic windows and on outcome measures and biomarkers that can be used to monitor drug benefit, toxicity, and treatment-modified disease characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal J J Yeo
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Genetics Medicine, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Basil T Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Farrar MA, Calotes-Castillo L, De Silva R, Barclay P, Attwood L, Cini J, Ferrie M, Kariyawasam DS. Gene therapy-based strategies for spinal muscular atrophy-an Asia-Pacific perspective. Mol Cell Pediatr 2023; 10:17. [PMID: 37964159 PMCID: PMC10645685 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-023-00171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec has been life-changing for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), signifying the potential and progress occurring in gene- and cell-based therapies for rare genetic diseases. Hence, it is important that clinicians gain knowledge and understanding in gene therapy-based treatment strategies for SMA. In this review, we describe the development and translation of onasemnogene abeparvovec from clinical trials to healthcare practice and share knowledge on the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Rapid and accurate SMA diagnosis, awareness, and education to safely deliver gene therapy to eligible patients and access to expertise in multidisciplinary management for neuromuscular disorders are crucial for health system readiness. Early engagement and intersectoral collaboration are required to surmount complex logistical processes and develop policy, governance, and accountability. The collection and utilisation of real-world evidence are also an important part of clinical stewardship, informing ongoing improvements to care delivery and access. Additionally, a research-enabled clinical ecosystem can expand scientific knowledge and discovery to optimise future therapies and magnify health impacts. Important ethical, equity, economic, and sustainability issues are evident, for which we must connect globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Loudella Calotes-Castillo
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Paediatrics and Neurosciences, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ranil De Silva
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology and Neuroscience (ICIBN), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
- Institute for Combinatorial Advanced Research and Education, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
| | - Peter Barclay
- Pharmacy Department, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lani Attwood
- Kids Advanced Therapeutics Programme, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Kids Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Cini
- Advocacy Beyond Borders, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Didu S Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kruse T, Shamai S, Leflerovà D, Wirth B, Heller R, Schloss N, Lehmann HC, Brakemeier S, Hagenacker T, Braumann B, Wunderlich G. Objective measurement of oral function in adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:103. [PMID: 37138365 PMCID: PMC10155305 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02688-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment of bulbar function in adult individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) usually is not assessed by established motor scores. Measurements of oral function including quantitative muscle and endurance tests are able to detect subtle changes. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the measurement of maximum bite force and endurance, maximum tongue pressure and endurance, as well as maximum mouth opening in adult individuals with SMA types 2 and 3. METHODS Data from oral function tests in 43 individuals were analyzed. Differences in oral function between individuals with different SMA types and numbers of SMN2 copies were tested. Spearman´s rho correlations among oral function measures themselves as well as with established clinical outcome scales were analyzed. RESULTS The absolute maximum measures of oral function (maximum bite force, maximum tongue pressure, maximum mouth opening) were able to discriminate between individuals with different SMA types, individuals with a different number of SMN2 copies and with different walking abilities. The pairwise correlations of the absolute maximum measures of oral function were fair to moderate in size; the same was true for their correlations with the established motor scores. All correlations assessing endurance measures of oral function were weaker and statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS Among the oral function tests maximum tongue pressure and maximum mouth opening are particulary promising as clinical and sensitive outcome measures for clinical trials. Oral function tests may supplement existing motor scores, in particular concerning specific questions about bulbar function or in severely affected non-ambulatory individuals where mild (treatment-related) changes would otherwise remain undetected. Trial registration DRKS, DRKS00015842. Registered 30 July 2019, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00015842.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Kruse
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - S Shamai
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Leflerovà
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - B Wirth
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Heller
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Genetic Health Service NZ-Northern Hub, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland City Hospital, 90-102 Grafton Rd, Grafton, NZ-Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - N Schloss
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - H C Lehmann
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - T Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - B Braumann
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 32, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G Wunderlich
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Blaschek A, Kölbel H, Schwartz O, Köhler C, Gläser D, Eggermann K, Hannibal I, Schara-Schmidt U, Müller-Felber W, Vill K. Newborn Screening for SMA – Can a Wait-and-See Strategy be Responsibly Justified in Patients With Four SMN2 Copies? J Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 9:597-605. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Early treatment after genetic newborn screening for SMA significantly improves outcomes in infantile SMA. However, there is no consensus in the SMA treatment community about early treatment initiation in patients with four copies of SMN2. Objective: Approach to a responsible treatment strategy for SMA patients with four SMN2 copies detected in newborn screening. Methods: Inclusion criteria were a history of SMA diagnosed by NBS, age > 12 months at last examination, and diagnosis of four SMN2 copies at confirmatory diagnosis. Results: 21 patients with SMA and four SMN2 copies were identified in German screening projects over a three-year period. In three of them, the SMN2 copy number had to be corrected later, and three patients were lost to follow-up. Eight of the fifteen patients who were subject to long-term follow-up underwent presymptomatic therapy between 3 and 36 months of age and had no definite disease symptoms to date. Five of the other seven patients who underwent a strict follow-up strategy, showed clinical or electrophysiological disease onset between 1.5 and 4 years of age. In two of them, complete recovery was not achieved despite immediate initiation of treatment after the onset of the first symptoms. Conclusion: A remarkable proportion of patients with four copies of SMN2 develop irreversible symptoms within the first four years of life, if a wait-and-see strategy is followed. These data argue for a proactive approach, i.e., early initiation of treatment in this subgroup of SMA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Blaschek
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with MedicalComplexity, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Münster University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Germany
| | - Cornelia Köhler
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Bochum, Germany
| | - Dieter Gläser
- MVZ Genetikum® GmbH, Center for Human Genetics, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | - Katja Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| | - Iris Hannibal
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with MedicalComplexity, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with MedicalComplexity, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with MedicalComplexity, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mueller-Felber W. Newborn infant screening for spinal muscular atrophy: Chances and challenges. Dev Med Child Neurol 2022; 64:535. [PMID: 35156200 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Mueller-Felber
- Pediatric Neurology, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pitarch Castellano I, Cabrera-Serrano M, Calvo Medina R, Cattinari MG, Espinosa García S, Fernández-Ramos JA, García Campos O, Gómez-Andrés D, Grimalt Calatayud MA, Gutiérrez Martínez AJ, Ibáñez Albert E, Kapetanovic García S, Madruga-Garrido M, Martínez-Moreno M, Medina Cantillo J, Melián Suárez AI, Moreno Escribano A, Munell F, Nascimento Osorio A, Pascual-Pascual SI, Povedano M, Santana Casiano IM, Vázquez-Costa JF. Delphi consensus on recommendations for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy in Spain (RET-AME consensus). Neurologia 2022; 37:216-228. [PMID: 35241415 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a biallelic mutation of the SMN1 gene, located on the long arm of chromosome 5, and predominantly affects the motor neurons of the anterior horn of the spinal cord, causing progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. The development of disease-modifying treatments is significantly changing the natural history of SMA, but uncertainty remains about which patients can benefit from these treatments and how that benefit should be measured. METHODOLOGY A group of experts specialised in neurology, neuropediatrics, and rehabilitation and representatives of the Spanish association of patients with SMA followed the Delphi method to reach a consensus on 5 issues related to the use of these new treatments: general aspects, treatment objectives, outcome assessment tools, requirements of the treating centres, and regulation of their use. Consensus was considered to be achieved when a response received at least 80% of votes. RESULTS Treatment protocols are useful for regulating the use of high-impact medications and should guide treatment, but should be updated regularly to take into account the most recent evidence available, and their implementation should be assessed on an individual basis. Age, baseline functional status, and, in the case of children, the type of SMA and the number of copies of SMN2 are characteristics that should be considered when establishing therapeutic objectives, assessment tools, and the use of such treatments. The cost-effectiveness of these treatments in paediatric patients is mainly influenced by early treatment onset; therefore, the implementation of neonatal screening is recommended. CONCLUSIONS The RET-AME consensus recommendations provide a frame of reference for the appropriate use of disease-modifying treatments in patients with SMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Pitarch Castellano
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Unidad de Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - M Cabrera-Serrano
- Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - R Calvo Medina
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Materno-Infantil Regional Universitario de Málaga, Spain
| | - M G Cattinari
- Fundación Atrofia Muscular Espinal (FundAME), Madrid, Spain
| | - S Espinosa García
- Sección de Rehabilitación Infantil, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - J A Fernández-Ramos
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - O García Campos
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario de Toledo, Spain
| | - D Gómez-Andrés
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M A Grimalt Calatayud
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - A J Gutiérrez Martínez
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - E Ibáñez Albert
- Sección de Rehabilitación Infantil, Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - S Kapetanovic García
- Unidad de ELA y Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Basurto, OSI Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - M Madruga-Garrido
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Viamed Santa Ángela de la Cruz, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Martínez-Moreno
- Sección de Rehabilitación Infantil, Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Medina Cantillo
- Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A I Melián Suárez
- Sección de Rehabilitación Infantil, Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular-Materno Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - A Moreno Escribano
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Munell
- Sección de Neurología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Nascimento Osorio
- Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neurología, CIBERER, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S I Pascual-Pascual
- Servicio de Neurologia Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Povedano
- Unidad Funcional de Motoneurona (UFMN), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I M Santana Casiano
- Sección de Rehabilitación Infantil, Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular-Materno Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - J F Vázquez-Costa
- Servicio de Neurologia, Unidad de Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pitarch Castellano I, Cabrera-Serrano M, Calvo Medina R, Cattinari M, Espinosa García S, Fernández-Ramos J, García Campos O, Gómez-Andrés D, Grimalt Calatayud M, Gutiérrez Martínez A, Ibáñez Albert E, Kapetanovic García S, Madruga-Garrido M, Martínez-Moreno M, Medina Cantillo J, Melián Suárez A, Moreno Escribano A, Munell F, Nascimento Osorio A, Pascual-Pascual S, Povedano M, Santana Casiano I, Vázquez-Costa J. Consenso Delphi de las recomendaciones para el tratamiento de los pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal en España (consenso RET-AME). Neurologia 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
|
19
|
Deng S, Lee BH, Ciafaloni E, Mackenzie SJ. The 4-copy conundrum in the treatment of infants with spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Neurol 2022; 91:891. [PMID: 35338521 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Deng
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Bo Hoon Lee
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.,Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Samuel J Mackenzie
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.,Division of Neuromuscular Disease, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yeo CJJ, Simmons Z, De Vivo DC, Darras BT. Reply to: The 4-copy conundrum in the treatment of infants with spinal muscular atrophy. Ann Neurol 2022; 91:892. [PMID: 35332578 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal J J Yeo
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Lee Kong Chan School of Medicine, Imperial College London and NTU Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Basil T Darras
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sarv S, Kahre T, Vaidla E, Pajusalu S, Muru K, Põder H, Gross-Paju K, Ütt S, Žordania R, Talvik I, Õiglane-Shlik E, Muhu K, Õunap K. The Birth Prevalence of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Population Specific Approach in Estonia. Front Genet 2022; 12:796862. [PMID: 35003227 PMCID: PMC8729775 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.796862] [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: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rare diseases are an important population health issue and many promising therapies have been developed in recent years. In light of novel genetic treatments expected to significantly improve spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients' quality of life and the urgent need for SMA newborn screening (NBS), new epidemiological data were needed to implement SMA NBS in Estonia. Objective: We aimed to describe the birth prevalence of SMA in the years 1996-2020 and to compare the results with previously published data. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory data of SMA patients referred to the Department of Clinical Genetics of Tartu University Hospital and its branch in Tallinn. Results: Fifty-seven patients were molecularly diagnosed with SMA. SMA birth prevalence was 1 per 8,286 (95% CI 1 per 6,130-11,494) in Estonia. Patients were classified as SMA type 0 (1.8%), SMA I (43.9%), SMA II (22.8%), SMA III (29.8%), and SMA IV (1.8%). Two patients were compound heterozygotes with an SMN1 deletion in trans with a novel single nucleotide variant NM_000344.3:c.410dup, p.(Asn137Lysfs*11). SMN2 copy number was assessed in 51 patients. Conclusion: In Estonia, the birth prevalence of SMA is similar to the median birth prevalence in Europe. This study gathered valuable information on the current epidemiology of SMA, which can guide the implementation of spinal muscular atrophy to the newborn screening program in Estonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siiri Sarv
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tiina Kahre
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eve Vaidla
- Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sander Pajusalu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Muru
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Haide Põder
- Tallinn Children's Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Katrin Gross-Paju
- Centre for Neurological Diseases, West-Tallinn Central Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia.,Department of Health Technologies, eMed Lab, TalTech, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sandra Ütt
- Centre for Neurological Diseases, West-Tallinn Central Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Riina Žordania
- Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Inga Talvik
- Tallinn Children's Hospital, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Eve Õiglane-Shlik
- Children's Clinic, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Children's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristina Muhu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katrin Õunap
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, United Laboratories, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lee T, Tokunaga S, Taniguchi N, Fujino T, Saito M, Shimomura H, Takeshima Y. Views of the General Population on Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Japan. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8080694. [PMID: 34438585 PMCID: PMC8391323 DOI: 10.3390/children8080694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that results in progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. As new therapies for SMA have been developed, newborn screening for SMA can lead to early diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to gather the general population’s view on screening of SMA in newborns in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted on two general population groups in Japan. A total of 269 valid responses were obtained. In the general population, about half of the participants had no knowledge about SMA, and more than 90% did not know about new therapies for SMA. Conversely, more than 95% of the general population agreed with screening newborns for SMA because they believed that early diagnosis was important, and treatments were available. This study revealed that the general population in Japan mostly agreed with screening for SMA in newborns even though they did not know much about SMA. Newborn screening for SMA is promising, but it is in very early stages. Therefore, SMA newborn screening should be performed with sufficient preparation and consideration in order to have a positive impact on SMA patients and their families.
Collapse
|
25
|
Romanelli Tavares VL, Monfardini F, Lourenço NCV, da Rocha KM, Weinmann K, Pavanello R, Zatz M. Newborn Screening for 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Comparisons between Real-Time PCR Methodologies and Cost Estimations for Future Implementation Programs. Int J Neonatal Screen 2021; 7:ijns7030053. [PMID: 34449526 PMCID: PMC8396021 DOI: 10.3390/ijns7030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the approval of modifying therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), several protocols aiming to screen SMN1 homozygous deletion in a neonatal context have been published. However, no work has compared different methodologies along with detailed implementation costs for centers where the neonatal screening of SMA has not yet been implemented. Therefore, our work compared different qualitative real-time PCR approaches for SMA screening and the estimated costs of test implementation. Using Brazilian blood samples, the presence and absence (P/A) and melt curve protocols were analyzed. MLPA was used as a confirmatory test. The costs were calculated for the simplex and multiplex tests plus equipment. The test workflow was based on the present experience and literature report. The accuracy of the P/A protocol was 1 (95% CI 0.8677-1) using dried blood spots (DBS). The melt curve protocol also achieved 100% concordance. The consumable costs ranged from USD 1.68 to 4.42 and from USD 2.04 to 12.76 per reaction, for the simplex and multiplex tests, respectively. The equipment acquisition costs ranged from USD 44,817.07 to 467,253.10, with several factors influencing this value presented. Our work presents a framework for decision-making, with a project demonstration of the different assays that will be useful in dealing with the issues of cost and availability of reagents. Moreover, we present a literature review and discussion of important concerns regarding treatment policies. We take the first step towards a future SMA NBS pilot program where it is not yet a reality.
Collapse
|
26
|
Butchbach MER. Genomic Variability in the Survival Motor Neuron Genes ( SMN1 and SMN2): Implications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Phenotype and Therapeutics Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157896. [PMID: 34360669 PMCID: PMC8348669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a leading genetic cause of infant death worldwide that is characterized by loss of spinal motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. SMA results from the loss of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene but retention of its paralog SMN2. The copy numbers of SMN1 and SMN2 are variable within the human population with SMN2 copy number inversely correlating with SMA severity. Current therapeutic options for SMA focus on increasing SMN2 expression and alternative splicing so as to increase the amount of SMN protein. Recent work has demonstrated that not all SMN2, or SMN1, genes are equivalent and there is a high degree of genomic heterogeneity with respect to the SMN genes. Because SMA is now an actionable disease with SMN2 being the primary target, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of this genomic heterogeneity with respect to hybrid SMN1–SMN2 genes generated by gene conversion events as well as partial deletions of the SMN genes. This review will describe this genetic heterogeneity in SMA and its impact on disease phenotype as well as therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. R. Butchbach
- Center for Applied Clinical Genomics, Nemours Children’s Health Delaware, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA;
- Center for Pediatric Research, Nemours Children’s Health Delaware, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
McMillan HJ, Kernohan KD, Yeh E, Amburgey K, Boyd J, Campbell C, Dowling JJ, Gonorazky H, Marcadier J, Tarnopolsky MA, Vajsar J, MacKenzie A, Chakraborty P. Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Ontario Testing and Follow-up Recommendations. Can J Neurol Sci 2021; 48:504-511. [PMID: 33059774 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons causing muscle atrophy and weakness. Nusinersen, the first effective SMA therapy was approved by Health Canada in June 2017 and has been added to the provincial formulary of all but one Canadian province. Access to this effective therapy has triggered the inclusion of SMA in an increasing number of Newborn Screening (NBS) programs. However, the range of disease-modifying SMN2 gene copy numbers encountered in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1)-null individuals means that neither screen-positive definition nor resulting treatment decisions can be determined by SMN1 genotype alone. We outline an approach to this challenge, one that specifically addresses the case of SMA newborns with four copies of SMN2. OBJECTIVES To develop a standardized post-referral evaluation pathway for babies with a positive SMA NBS screen result. METHODS An SMA NBS pilot trial in Ontario using first-tier MassARRAY and second-tier multi-ligand probe amplification (MLPA) was launched in January 2020. Prior to this, Ontario pediatric neuromuscular disease and NBS experts met to review the evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of children with SMA as it pertained to NBS. A post-referral evaluation algorithm was developed, outlining timelines for patient retrieval and management. CONCLUSIONS Ontario's pilot NBS program has created a standardized path to facilitate early diagnosis of SMA and initiation of treatment. The goal is to provide timely access to those SMA infants in need of therapy to optimize motor function and prolong survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugh J McMillan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristin D Kernohan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ed Yeh
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kim Amburgey
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Boyd
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig Campbell
- Children's Hospital Western Ontario, Department of Pediatrics, Epidemiology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James J Dowling
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hernan Gonorazky
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Mark A Tarnopolsky
- McMaster Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jiri Vajsar
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex MacKenzie
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pranesh Chakraborty
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Newborn Screening Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Neugeborenenscreening auf spinale Muskelatrophie. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-021-01165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungIm Dezember 2020 hat der Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss beschlossen, dass das Screening auf spinale Muskelatrophie (SMA) in das allgemeine Neugeborenenscreening aufgenommen werden soll. Grundlage dieser Entscheidung war die Tatsache, dass inzwischen gezielte Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für die Patienten mit SMA zur Verfügung stehen und der Zeitpunkt, zu dem die Behandlung begonnen wird, entscheidend für den Erfolg der Therapie ist.Das Neugeborenenscreening auf eine SMA basiert auf dem Nachweis einer homozygoten Deletion von Exon 7 im SMN1-Gen durch eine molekulargenetische Analyse aus der Trockenblutkarte. In allen Fällen muss eine Bestätigungsdiagnostik aus einer zweiten Blutprobe im Rahmen der Konfirmationsdiagnostik mit Bestimmung der SMN2-Kopien-Zahl durchgeführt werden. Die weitere Beratung und Therapie sollten in einer neuropädiatrischen Ambulanz mit Erfahrung in der Betreuung von Kindern mit SMA erfolgen.
Collapse
|
29
|
Vill K, Schwartz O, Blaschek A, Gläser D, Nennstiel U, Wirth B, Burggraf S, Röschinger W, Becker M, Czibere L, Durner J, Eggermann K, Olgemöller B, Harms E, Schara U, Kölbel H, Müller-Felber W. Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy in Germany: clinical results after 2 years. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:153. [PMID: 33789695 PMCID: PMC8011100 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01783-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in childhood. Since motor neuron injury is usually not reversible, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent major disability. Our objective was to assess the impact of genetic newborn screening for SMA on outcome. Methods We provided clinical data from 43 SMA patients, identified via polymerase chain reaction of the SMN1 gene from dried blood spots between January 2018 and January 2020 in Germany. Follow-up included neurophysiological examinations and standardized physiotherapeutic testing. Results Detection of SMA with newborn screening was consistent with known incidence in Germany. Birth prevalence was 1:6910; 39.5% had 2 SMN2 copies, 23% had 3 SMN2 copies, 32.5% had 4 copies, and 4.5% had 5 copies of the SMN2 gene. Treatment with SMA-specific medication could be started at the age of 14–39 days in 21 patients. Pre-symptomatically treated patients remained throughout asymptomatic within the observation period. 47% of patients with 2 SMN2 copies showed early, presumably intrauterine onset of disease. These patients reached motor milestones with delay; none of them developed respiratory symptoms. Untreated children with 2 SMN2 copies died. Untreated children with 3 SMN2 copies developed proximal weakness in their first year. In patients with ≥ 4 SMN2 copies, a follow-up strategy of “watchful waiting” was applied despite the fact that one of them was treated from the age of 6 months. Two infant siblings with 4 SMN2 copies were identified with a missed diagnosis of SMA type 3. Conclusion Identification of newborns with infantile SMA and prompt SMA-specific treatment substantially improves neurodevelopmental outcome, and we recommend implementation in the public newborn screening in countries where therapy is available. Electrophysiology is a relevant parameter to support the urgency of therapy. There has to be a short time interval between a positive screening result and referral to a therapy-ready specialized treatment center. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01783-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Vill
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU - University of Munich, Lindwurmstraße 4, 80337, München, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Astrid Blaschek
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU - University of Munich, Lindwurmstraße 4, 80337, München, Germany
| | - Dieter Gläser
- Center for Human Genetics, Genetikum®, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | - Uta Nennstiel
- 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, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jürgen Durner
- Labor Becker und Kollegen, Munich, Germany.,Department of Operative/Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Pedodontics, LMU - University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Katja Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Erik Harms
- Department of Pediatrics, Muenster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, LMU - University of Munich, Lindwurmstraße 4, 80337, München, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kariyawasam DS, D'Silva AM, Vetsch J, Wakefield CE, Wiley V, Farrar MA. " We needed this": perspectives of parents and healthcare professionals involved in a pilot newborn screening program for spinal muscular atrophy. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 33:100742. [PMID: 33842861 PMCID: PMC8020144 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a recognised model through which health outcomes can be improved. However, perspectives of parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in such programs are largely unknown. METHODS A pilot program for SMA ran from August 2018-July 2020. Using a mixed-methods convergent methodology, we used a self-administered questionnaire to understand parents' perceptions and psychological impact of the program from diagnosis to treatment. We thematically analysed successes/challenges encountered by HCPs and recommendations for service improvement from both participant groups. FINDINGS 202,388 infants were screened for SMA and the perceptions of 44 parents and HCPs affected by a positive result in eighteen newborns was ascertained. Parents (n=29, 100%) were satisfied with NBS for SMA. Although screen-positive result was distressing for all parents, quality of life improved over time [CarerQoL-7D baseline median score 4 (SD=1.4) vs six-month median score 8 (SD=1.3), p<0.001)]. Challenges for HCPs included managing the time-critical nature of the pathway whilst remaining cognisant of limitations associated with the predictive screening test. INTERPRETATION Interpretation: NBS for SMA fulfils criteria for population-wide screening. Net benefits are acknowledged by stakeholders to optimise lifelong outcomes. Harms including psychological distress associated with a screen-positive result may be managed by targeted psychosocial support, information provision and a personalised model of care together strengthening healthcare systems. FUNDING The NSW Pilot NBS study was funded by Luminesce Alliance. Dr Kariyawasam received funding from the RTP Scholarship, University of New South Wales and The Freedman Family Foundation Scholarship, Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Didu S.T. Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arlene M. D'Silva
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janine Vetsch
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Veronica Wiley
- NSW Newborn Screening Program, Children's Hospital Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle A. Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Medicine, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
In Search of a Cure: The Development of Therapeutics to Alter the Progression of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020194. [PMID: 33562482 PMCID: PMC7915832 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Until the recent development of disease-modifying therapeutics, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was considered a devastating neuromuscular disease with a poor prognosis for most affected individuals. Symptoms generally present during early childhood and manifest as muscle weakness and progressive paralysis, severely compromising the affected individual’s quality of life, independence, and lifespan. SMA is most commonly caused by the inheritance of homozygously deleted SMN1 alleles with retention of one or more copies of a paralog gene, SMN2, which inversely correlates with disease severity. The recent advent and use of genetically targeted therapies have transformed SMA into a prototype for monogenic disease treatment in the era of genetic medicine. Many SMA-affected individuals receiving these therapies achieve traditionally unobtainable motor milestones and survival rates as medicines drastically alter the natural progression of this disease. This review discusses historical SMA progression and underlying disease mechanisms, highlights advances made in therapeutic research, clinical trials, and FDA-approved medicines, and discusses possible second-generation and complementary medicines as well as optimal temporal intervention windows in order to optimize motor function and improve quality of life for all SMA-affected individuals.
Collapse
|
32
|
Wirth B. Spinal Muscular Atrophy: In the Challenge Lies a Solution. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:306-322. [PMID: 33423791 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The path from gene discovery to therapy in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been a highly challenging endeavor, but also led to one of the most successful stories in neurogenetics. In SMA, a neuromuscular disorder with an often fatal outcome until recently, with those affected never able to sit, stand, or walk, children now achieve these motoric abilities and almost age-based development when treated presymptomatically. This review summarizes the challenges along this 30-year journey. It is also meant to inspire early-career scientists not to give up when things become difficult but to try to uncover the biological underpinnings and transform the challenge into the next big discovery. Without doubt, the improvements seen with the three therapeutic strategies in SMA are impressive; many open questions remain and are discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Center for Rare Disorders, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kirschner J, Butoianu N, Goemans N, Haberlova J, Kostera-Pruszczyk A, Mercuri E, van der Pol WL, Quijano-Roy S, Sejersen T, Tizzano EF, Ziegler A, Servais L, Muntoni F. Response to letter: A decision for life - Treatment decisions in newly diagnosed families with spinal muscular atrophy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 30:103-104. [PMID: 33640649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.12.005] [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: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Butoianu
- Pediatric Neurology Clinic, "Prof. Dr. Al. Obregia" Hospital, Bucharest, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Nathalie Goemans
- Dept of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jana Haberlova
- Dept of Pediatric Neurology, Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Susana Quijano-Roy
- Neuromuscular Unit, Child Neurology and ICU Department, Raymond Poincaré University Hospital (UVSQ), APHP Paris Saclay, Garches, France.
| | - Thomas Sejersen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Medicine Genetics Group, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Andreas Ziegler
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Metabolic Medicine; Centre for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Laurent Servais
- University of Liège, Neuromuscular Reference Center Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Liege, Belgium; MDUK Neuromuscular Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, UK.
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, And NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jędrzejowska M. Advances in Newborn Screening and Presymptomatic Diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2020; 10:39-47. [PMID: 33364872 PMCID: PMC7751307 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s246907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy 5q (SMA5q) is one of the most severe and common genetic diseases. In the natural course, the disease leads to premature death (in acute forms) or severe motor disability (in chronic forms). As the genetic basis of SMA is very homogenous, the diagnostics are based entirely on simple and sensitive genetic testing. In the last few years, innovative methods of therapy have been developed based on SMN2 gene modification, such as splicing, or replacement of the damaged SMN1 gene (gene therapy). Although these approaches have shown high efficacy, results depend on the age/disease stage at which therapy is initiated. The best results have been obtained in presymptomatic patients. Indeed, introduction of therapy in the pre- or early symptomatic stage of the disease seems to be crucial for maximizing effects. Thus, all the criteria for the implementation of neonatal screening for SMA have been met, and many countries, ie, the USA, Germany, Belgium, and Australia, have started NBS national/pilot programs for SMA. The initial results of these programs indicate a high frequency of the disease, reaching 1 per 7 thousand live births in Europe, as well as early symptomatology (first weeks of life in severe cases) and a high frequency of patients with 4 SMN2 copies. Overall, the time for therapy inclusion in patients with 4 SMN2 copies remain under discussion. More precise predictors/biomarkers of the clinical course are needed. At the same time, it seems advisable to offer other solutions, such as population carrier screening. As the long-term effects of different treatments on the natural history of SMA are unknown, the natural history of the disease needs to be re-evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jędrzejowska
- Rare Diseases Research Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tiziano FD, Tizzano EF. 25 years of the SMN genes: the Copernican revolution of spinal muscular atrophy. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2020; 39:336-344. [PMID: 33458589 PMCID: PMC7783429 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The new era of advanced therapies has influenced and changed the views and perspectives of a neuromuscular disease such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Being an autosomal recessive motor neuron disorder, characterized by different degrees of muscle weakness, after 25 years of the discovery of the determinant and modifier genes (SMN1 and SMN2, respectively) three SMN-dependent specific therapies are already approved by FDA (two by EMA), so that worldwide patients are currently under clinical investigation and treatment. This success was the combined effort mainly of patients and families, physician and researchers, advocacy groups and several Institutions together with the support of pharmaceutical companies. Progression trajectories, phenotypes, follow-up and care of the patients are continously evolving. Clinical investigations are currently demonstrating that early diagnosis and intervention are essential for better and more effective response to treatment, consistently improving prognosis. This scenario has created the need for awareness, early diagnosis and even implementation of of newborn screening programs. New views and perspectives of patient and family expectations, genetic counselling and multidisciplinary care: a truly Copernican revolution in neuromuscular and genetic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Danilo Tiziano
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Eduardo F. Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Valle Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Medicine Genetics Group, Valle Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cuscó I, Bernal S, Blasco-Pérez L, Calucho M, Alias L, Fuentes-Prior P, Tizzano EF. Practical guidelines to manage discordant situations of SMN2 copy number in patients with spinal muscular atrophy. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2020; 6:e530. [PMID: 33324756 PMCID: PMC7713720 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective Assessment of SMN2 copy number in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is essential to establish careful genotype-phenotype correlations and predict disease evolution. This issue is becoming crucial in the present scenario of therapeutic advances with the perspective of SMA neonatal screening and early diagnosis to initiate treatment, as this value is critical to stratify patients for clinical trials and to define those eligible to receive medication. Several technical pitfalls and interindividual variations may account for reported discrepancies in the estimation of SMN2 copy number and establishment of phenotype-genotype correlations. Methods We propose a management guide based on a sequence of specified actions once SMN2 copy number is determined for a given patient. Regardless of the method used to estimate the number of SMN2 copies, our approach focuses on the manifestations of the patient to recommend how to proceed in each case. Results We defined situations according to SMN2 copy number in a presymptomatic scenario of screening, in which we predict the possible evolution, and when a symptomatic patient is genetically confirmed. Unexpected discordant cases include patients having a single SMN2 copy but noncongenital disease forms, 2 SMN2 copies compatible with type II or III SMA, and 3 or 4 copies of the gene showing more severe disease than expected. Conclusions Our proposed guideline would help to systematically identify discordant SMA cases that warrant further genetic investigation. The SMN2 gene, as the main modifier of SMA phenotype, deserves a more in-depth study to provide more accurate genotype-phenotype correlations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivon Cuscó
- Medicine Genetics Group (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona; Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Hospital Vall dHebron, Barcelona; Department of Genetics (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII, U-705 Barcelona) (S.B., L.A.), Madrid; Molecular Bases of Disease (P.F.-P.), Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Bernal
- Medicine Genetics Group (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona; Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Hospital Vall dHebron, Barcelona; Department of Genetics (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII, U-705 Barcelona) (S.B., L.A.), Madrid; Molecular Bases of Disease (P.F.-P.), Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Blasco-Pérez
- Medicine Genetics Group (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona; Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Hospital Vall dHebron, Barcelona; Department of Genetics (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII, U-705 Barcelona) (S.B., L.A.), Madrid; Molecular Bases of Disease (P.F.-P.), Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Calucho
- Medicine Genetics Group (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona; Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Hospital Vall dHebron, Barcelona; Department of Genetics (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII, U-705 Barcelona) (S.B., L.A.), Madrid; Molecular Bases of Disease (P.F.-P.), Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Alias
- Medicine Genetics Group (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona; Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Hospital Vall dHebron, Barcelona; Department of Genetics (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII, U-705 Barcelona) (S.B., L.A.), Madrid; Molecular Bases of Disease (P.F.-P.), Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Fuentes-Prior
- Medicine Genetics Group (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona; Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Hospital Vall dHebron, Barcelona; Department of Genetics (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII, U-705 Barcelona) (S.B., L.A.), Madrid; Molecular Bases of Disease (P.F.-P.), Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Medicine Genetics Group (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona; Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics (I.C., L.B.-P., M.C., E.F.T.), Hospital Vall dHebron, Barcelona; Department of Genetics (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) (S.B., L.A.), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER-ISCIII, U-705 Barcelona) (S.B., L.A.), Madrid; Molecular Bases of Disease (P.F.-P.), Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Eggermann K, Gläser D, Abicht A, Wirth B. Spinal muscular atrophy (5qSMA): best practice of diagnostics, newborn screening and therapy. MED GENET-BERLIN 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2020-2033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal-recessive inherited neuromuscular disorder caused by the degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Patients show hypotonia, muscular atrophy and weakness of voluntary proximal muscles. SMA is one of the most common genetic diseases, with a frequency of about 1 in 7,000 newborns in Germany. The vast majority of patients carry a homozygous deletion of exons 7 and 8 of the survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene on chromosome 5q13.2; only about 3–4 % of patients are compound heterozygous for this common mutation and an additional subtle mutation in SMN1. The severity of the disease is mainly influenced by the copy number of the highly homologous SMN2.
Since the discovery of the underlying genetic defect 25 years ago, both the diagnostics of SMA and its treatment have undergone constant and in recent times rapid improvements. SMA has become one of the first neuromuscular disorders with effective therapies based on gene targeted strategies such as splice correction of SMN2 via antisense oligonucleotides or small molecules or gene replacement therapy with a self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9 expressing the SMN1-cDNA. With the availability of treatment options, which are most effective when therapy starts at a pre-symptomatic stage, a newborn screening is indispensable and about to be introduced in Germany. New challenges for diagnostic labs as well as for genetic counsellors are inevitable.
This article aims at summarising the current state of SMA diagnostics, treatment and perspectives for this disorder and offering best practice testing guidelines to diagnostic labs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Eggermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstr. 30 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Dieter Gläser
- genetikum®, Center for Human Genetics , Wegenerstr. 15 , Neu-Ulm , Germany
| | - Angela Abicht
- Medical Genetics Center Munich , Munich , Germany
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute , Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-University , Munich , Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne and Center for Rare Diseases , University of Cologne , Kerpener Str. 34 , Cologne , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
D'Silva A, Farrar MA. Personalized medicine for children with spinal muscular atrophy: Toward the holy grail. Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:425-426. [PMID: 32696479 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arlene D'Silva
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
New Treatments in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Positive Results and New Challenges. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9072222. [PMID: 32668756 PMCID: PMC7408870 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the most common autosomal recessive diseases with progressive weakness of skeletal and respiratory muscles, leading to significant disability. The disorder is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and a consequent decrease in the SMN protein leading to lower motor neuron degeneration. Recently, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medical Agency (EMA) approved the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen, the first SMA disease-modifying treatment and gene replacement therapy by onasemnogene abeparvovec. Encouraging results from phase II and III clinical trials have raised hope that other therapeutic options will enter soon in clinical practice. However, the availability of effective approaches has raised up ethical, medical and financial issues that are routinely faced by the SMA community. This review covers the available data and the new challenges of SMA therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
40
|
Spinal muscular atrophy in Venezuela: quantitative analysis of SMN1 and SMN2 genes. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-00070-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is mostly caused by homozygous deletions in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. SMN2, its paralogous gene, is a genetic modifier of the disease phenotype, and its copy number is correlated with SMA severity. The purpose of the study was to investigate the number of copies of the SMN1 and SMN2 genes in a Venezuelan population control sample and in patients with a presumptive diagnosis of SMA, besides estimating the frequency of mutation carriers in the population.
Results
SMN1 and SMN2 gene copies were assessed in 49 Venezuelan dweller unrelated normal individuals and in 94 subjects from 29 families with a SMA presumptive diagnosis, using the quantitative PCR method. A SMN1 deletion carrier frequency of 0.01 and 0.163 of homozygous absence of the SMN2 gene were found in the Venezuelan control sample. Deletion of SMN1 exon 7 was confirmed in 15 families; the remaining 14 index cases had two SMN1 copies and a heterogeneous phenotype not attributable to SMN deletions. Based on clinical features of the index cases and the SMN2 copy number, a positive phenotype-genotype correlation was demonstrated. No disease geographical aggregation was found in the country.
Conclusion
The frequency of carriers of the deletion of exon 7 in SMN1 in the Venezuelan control population was similar to that observed in populations worldwide, while the frequency of 0 copies of the SMN2 gene (16.3 %) seems to be relatively high. All these findings have pertinent implications for the diagnosis and genetic counseling on SMA in Venezuela.
Collapse
|
41
|
Wadman RI, Jansen MD, Stam M, Wijngaarde CA, Curial CAD, Medic J, Sodaar P, Schouten J, Vijzelaar R, Lemmink HH, van den Berg LH, Groen EJN, van der Pol WL. Intragenic and structural variation in the SMN locus and clinical variability in spinal muscular atrophy. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa075. [PMID: 32954327 PMCID: PMC7425299 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical severity and treatment response vary significantly between patients with spinal muscular atrophy. The approval of therapies and the emergence of neonatal screening programmes urgently require a more detailed understanding of the genetic variants that underlie this clinical heterogeneity. We systematically investigated genetic variation other than SMN2 copy number in the SMN locus. Data were collected through our single-centre, population-based study on spinal muscular atrophy in the Netherlands, including 286 children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy Types 1–4, including 56 patients from 25 families with multiple siblings with spinal muscular atrophy. We combined multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, Sanger sequencing, multiplexed targeted resequencing and digital droplet polymerase chain reaction to determine sequence and expression variation in the SMN locus. SMN1, SMN2 and NAIP gene copy number were determined by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. SMN2 gene variant analysis was performed using Sanger sequencing and RNA expression analysis of SMN by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. We identified SMN1–SMN2 hybrid genes in 10% of spinal muscular atrophy patients, including partial gene deletions, duplications or conversions within SMN1 and SMN2 genes. This indicates that SMN2 copies can vary structurally between patients, implicating an important novel level of genetic variability in spinal muscular atrophy. Sequence analysis revealed six exonic and four intronic SMN2 variants, which were associated with disease severity in individual cases. There are no indications that NAIP1 gene copy number or sequence variants add value in addition to SMN2 copies in predicting the clinical phenotype in individual patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Importantly, 95% of spinal muscular atrophy siblings in our study had equal SMN2 copy numbers and structural changes (e.g. hybrid genes), but 60% presented with a different spinal muscular atrophy type, indicating the likely presence of further inter- and intragenic variabilities inside as well as outside the SMN locus. SMN2 gene copies can be structurally different, resulting in inter- and intra-individual differences in the composition of SMN1 and SMN2 gene copies. This adds another layer of complexity to the genetics that underlie spinal muscular atrophy and should be considered in current genetic diagnosis and counselling practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renske I Wadman
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marc D Jansen
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marloes Stam
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Camiel A Wijngaarde
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chantall A D Curial
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jelena Medic
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Sodaar
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Schouten
- MRC Holland BV, 1057 DL Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Henny H Lemmink
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ewout J N Groen
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|