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Aksoy T, Ramazanov R, Öz Yildiz S, Demirkiran G, Haliloğlu G, Yazici M. Impact of Spinal Surgery on Intrathecal Nusinersen Injections in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy. J Pediatr Orthop 2024; 44:e641-e646. [PMID: 38888134 DOI: 10.1097/bpo.0000000000002703] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex spinal deformities necessitate surgical interventions that may intervene with intrathecal injections in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This study aimed to determine the effect of spinal deformity correction surgery on nusinersen administration. METHODS Pediatric patients with SMA, operated by a single surgeon, either via magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) or definitive fusion (DF) with skip instrumentation, were evaluated retrospectively in terms of safety and feasibility of intrathecal injections. Patients' and their parents' perspectives were evaluated through a questionnaire regarding any shift in the setting of injections. RESULTS Fourteen patients with 15 spinal surgeries (10 MCGR and 5 DF) were included. Eleven patients received intrathecal treatment both before and after the surgery. Preoperative (n=3) and postoperative (n=9) fluoroscopic guidance was required leading to a shift in the application settings in 6 patients. Of 106 preoperative injections, 15% required fluoroscopy and 2% required anesthesia. Postoperatively, of 88 injections, 73% required fluoroscopy and 26% required anesthesia. No patients discontinued intrathecal injections due to technical difficulties associated with the spinal surgery. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that spinal surgery does not prevent safe and successful intrathecal nusinersen injections. In the DF group, the skip instrumentation technique provided access to interlaminal space for intrathecal injections. In either surgical group, no further auxillary approach was required. Modifications in the injection technique require an institutional approach, and concerns of patients and their families should be addressed accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Aksoy
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
| | | | - Sibel Öz Yildiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Demirkiran
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Göknur Haliloğlu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Kumar M, Tyagi N, Faruq M. The molecular mechanisms of spinocerebellar ataxias for DNA repeat expansion in disease. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:289-312. [PMID: 37668011 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogenous group of neurodegenerative disorders which commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. They cause muscle incoordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and other parts of nervous system. Out of all the characterized (>50) SCAs, 14 SCAs are caused due to microsatellite repeat expansion mutations. Repeat expansions can result in toxic protein gain-of-function, protein loss-of-function, and/or RNA gain-of-function effects. The location and the nature of mutation modulate the underlying disease pathophysiology resulting in varying disease manifestations. Potential toxic effects of these mutations likely affect key major cellular processes such as transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial functioning, ion channel dysfunction and synaptic transmission. Involvement of several common pathways suggests interlinked function of genes implicated in the disease pathogenesis. A better understanding of the shared and distinct molecular pathogenic mechanisms in these diseases is required to develop targeted therapeutic tools and interventions for disease management. The prime focus of this review is to elaborate on how expanded 'CAG' repeats contribute to the common modes of neurotoxicity and their possible therapeutic targets in management of such devastating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Nishu Tyagi
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
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Salerno A, Picconi E, Genovese O, Piastra M, Pulitanò SM, Tosi F, Mancino A, Pane M, De Sanctis R, Carlini D, Mercuri EM, Conti G. Needleless inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane: Advantages of a simplified approach for children with spinal muscular atrophy undergoing intrathecal administration of nusinersen. Paediatr Anaesth 2023; 33:282-290. [PMID: 36636888 DOI: 10.1111/pan.14630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrathecal nusinersen administration, a fundamental step in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, is challenging in children. AIMS This retrospective monocentric analysis of prospectively collected data evaluated the feasibility of needleless general anesthesia exclusively with sevoflurane, without imaging guidance, for children undergoing nusinersen administration in a 24-month period. METHODS Clinical data included demographics, type of spinal muscular atrophy, presence and severity of scoliosis. Primary outcome was defined by the number of predefined sentinel adverse events related to anesthesia. Secondary outcomes were assessed by duration of the procedure, number of lumbar puncture attempts, and number of failures. Other measures included number and type of moderate, minor and minimal adverse events, as well as number and type of puncture-related adverse events. RESULTS 116 patients (mean age: 8.7 (SD 6.9) years; with scoliosis: 49.1%) underwent 250 lumbar punctures; two cases of prolonged desaturation, considered as sentinel adverse events, (0.8%) were recorded during anesthesia (primary outcome). None of the patients underwent orotracheal intubation nor required an unplanned admission in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. No patient required an unplanned or prolonged hospitalization after the procedure. Mean number of puncture attempts was 1.6 (SD 1.3), and mean duration of the procedure was 14.1 (SD 8.3) minutes. No failure in the drug administration occurred (secondary outcomes). CONCLUSION In this single-center experience, needleless general anesthesia with inhaled sevoflurane without imaging guidance has been shown to be feasible for children with spinal muscular atrophy undergoing lumbar puncture for nusinersen administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Salerno
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Picconi
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Orazio Genovese
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Piastra
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia M Pulitanò
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Tosi
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Mancino
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Nemo Clinical Centre, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto De Sanctis
- Nemo Clinical Centre, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Carlini
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio M Mercuri
- Nemo Clinical Centre, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Hahn A, Günther R, Ludolph A, Schwartz O, Trollmann R, Weydt P, Weiler M, Neuland K, Schwaderer MS, Hagenacker T. Short-term safety results from compassionate use of risdiplam in patients with spinal muscular atrophy in Germany. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:276. [PMID: 35854272 PMCID: PMC9295446 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02420-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oral, selective SMN2-splicing modifier risdiplam obtained European approval in March 2021 for the treatment of patients ≥ 2 months old with a clinical diagnosis of 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) 1/2/3 or with 1-4 SMN2 gene copies. For the preceding 12 months, this compassionate use program (CUP) made risdiplam available to patients with SMA1/2 in Germany who could not receive any approved SMA therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with SMA1/2, aged ≥ 2 months at enrollment, could be included if they were not eligible for, no longer responsive to, or not able to tolerate nusinersen or not able to receive onasemnogene abeparvovec. Oral risdiplam dosing ranged from 0.2 mg/kg to 5 mg depending on age and weight. All treatment decisions were made by the attending physicians, who were required to report all adverse events (AEs). RESULTS Between March 12, 2020 and March 30, 2021, 36 patients with SMA1 and 98 patients with SMA2 were enrolled, with 31 patients and 80 patients receiving ≥ 1 risdiplam dose, respectively. The median (range) age was 10.5 (3-52) years in the SMA1 cohort, and 26.5 (3-60) years in the SMA2 cohort. 22.2% of patients with SMA1 and 48.0% with SMA2 were treatment-naïve. Most patients were not eligible/could not continue to receive nusinersen due to scoliosis/safety risk (SMA1: 75.0%; SMA2: 96.9%), risks associated with sedation (77.8%; 63.3%), or loss of efficacy (30.6%; 12.2%). Safety data were generally in line with the safety profile of risdiplam in ongoing clinical studies. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most common AEs. For patients with SMA1, 30 AEs were reported in 13 cases with 2 serious AEs in 1 patient. For SMA2, 100 AEs were documented in 31 case reports, including 8 serious AEs in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS We present the first real-world safety data of risdiplam in patients with SMA in Germany. Our observations indicated no new safety signals under real-world conditions. Real-world SMA1/2 populations comprise considerable numbers of patients who are not eligible for gene therapy and cannot tolerate or have failed nusinersen treatment. This medical need may be addressed by oral risdiplam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hahn
- Department of Child Neurology, University of Gießen, Giessen, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Gerontopsychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Weiler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Kong Kam Wa T, Holmes C, O'Brien K. A case series of paediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy type I undergoing scoliosis correction surgery. Anaesth Rep 2021; 9:e12138. [PMID: 34870210 DOI: 10.1002/anr3.12138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a neuromuscular disorder with degeneration of spinal motor neurons. Type I is a severe variant that was recently shown to be amenable to treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. As a result of increased life expectancy with this treatment, more children with spinal muscular atrophy type I are presenting for spinal correction surgery. In this case series, we present four such patients who underwent spinal surgery at our institution over the course of one year. Pre-operative assessment showed evidence of reduced respiratory function requiring nocturnal non-invasive ventilation in all four patients. A difficult airway was encountered in two of the four patients. Postoperative complications were ubiquitous and included CSF leak, poor wound healing, metal frame exposure, frame instability and wound infection. There were no postoperative respiratory complications and all four children returned to their respiratory baseline postoperatively. All patients underwent successful lumbar puncture and intrathecal nusinersen injection following their spinal surgeries. Given the risk of complications and prolonged recovery following spinal surgery, a detailed family discussion is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kong Kam Wa
- Department of Anaesthesiology Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Dublin Ireland
| | - C Holmes
- Department of Anaesthesiology Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Dublin Ireland
| | - K O'Brien
- Department of Anaesthesiology Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Dublin Ireland
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Carson VJ, Young M, Brigatti KW, Robinson DL, Reed RM, Sohn J, Petrillo M, Farwell W, Miller F, Strauss KA. Nusinersen by subcutaneous intrathecal catheter for symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy patients with complex spine anatomy. Muscle Nerve 2021; 65:51-59. [PMID: 34606118 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Intrathecal administration of nusinersen is challenging in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who have spine deformities or fusions. We prospectively studied the safety and efficacy of nusinersen administration via an indwelling subcutaneous intrathecal catheter (SIC) for SMA patients with advanced disease. METHODS Seventeen participants commenced nusinersen therapy between 2.7 and 31.5 years of age and received 9 to 12 doses via SIC. Safety was assessed in all participants. A separate efficacy analysis comprised 11 nonambulatory, treatment-naive SMA patients (18.1 ± 6.8 years) with three SMN2 copies and complex spine anatomy. RESULTS In the safety analysis, 14 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occurred among 12 (71%) participants; all were related to the SIC and not nusinersen. Device-related AEs interfered with 2.5% of nusinersen doses. Four SICs (24%) required surgical revision due to mechanical malfunction with or without cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 2), and one (6%) was removed due to Staphylococcus epidermidis meningitis. In the efficacy analysis, mean performance on the nine-hole peg test improved in dominant (15.9%, P = 0.012) and nondominant (19.0%, P = 0.008) hands and grip strength increased by 44.9% (P = 0.031). We observed no significant changes in motor scales, muscle force, pulmonary function, or SMA biomarkers. All participants in the efficacy cohort reported one or more subjective improvement(s) in endurance, purposeful hand use, arm strength, head control, and/or speech. DISCUSSION For SMA patients with complex spine anatomy, the SIC allows for reliable outpatient administration of nusinersen that results in meaningful improvements in upper limb function, but introduces risks of technical malfunction and iatrogenic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Millie Young
- Clinic for Special Children, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Robert M Reed
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Freeman Miller
- Department of Orthopedics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Johannsen J, Weiss D, Schlenker F, Groth M, Denecke J. Intrathecal Administration of Nusinersen in Pediatric SMA Patients with and without Spine Deformities: Experiences and Challenges over 3 Years in a Single Center. Neuropediatrics 2021; 52:179-185. [PMID: 33276405 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease leading to progressive muscular atrophy, respiratory failure, and premature death. Secondary thorax and spine deformities are frequent. In July 2017, the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen (Spinraza) was approved for the recurrent lifelong intrathecal treatment of SMA in Europe. Lumbar punctures are challenging especially in SMA patients with severe spine deformities and after spine surgery. In the light of alternative SMA therapies that are available or are expected to be available soon and which are administered orally or via one-time infusion, an appraisal of the established therapy is significant. Discussion about which therapy is the best for each individual patient will have to include not only the safety and efficacy of data but also the application form and its burden for the patient and the health care system. Therefore, we analyzed our 3-year experiences and challenges with 478 lumbar puncture procedures in 61 pediatric SMA patients with and without spine deformities or instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Johannsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Deike Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friderike Schlenker
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Groth
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Denecke
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Grayev A, Schoepp M, Kuner A. A Systematic Review of Procedural Complications from Transforaminal Lumbar Puncture for Intrathecal Nusinersen Administration in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:980-985. [PMID: 33632735 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that can be treated with intrathecal antisense oligonucleotide therapy (nusinersen). However, administration is often complicated by posterior spinal fusion and neuromuscular scoliosis, necessitating a transforaminal approach. PURPOSE To assess the safety profile of the transforaminal approach for intrathecal access. DATA SOURCES Searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. STUDY SELECTION Thirteen articles were selected based on inclusion of transforaminal access and appropriate clinical information about the procedure. DATA ANALYSIS Complications were taken from the included articles and aggregated based on Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe scale adverse event grading. DATA SYNTHESIS Total number of complications and grade of complications were analyzed, by year and in total. LIMITATIONS Selection bias in publication, small patient population size, and variability of the procedure limits the available data. CONCLUSIONS Transforaminal approach is a safe alternative for intrathecal access in patients with spinal muscular atrophy and may be applicable to a larger patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grayev
- From the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WisconsinFrom the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
| | - M Schoepp
- From the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WisconsinFrom the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - A Kuner
- From the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WisconsinFrom the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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Pediatric SMA patients with complex spinal anatomy: Implementation and evaluation of a decision-tree algorithm for administration of nusinersen. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 31:92-101. [PMID: 33711792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The approval of nusinersen for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has significantly changed the natural history of the disease. Nevertheless, scoliosis secondary to axial muscle weakness occurs at some point in most of patients with SMA and a conventional posterior interlaminar approach for intrathecal administration of nusinersen can be particularly challenging to perform in patients with severe scoliosis and/or previous spine fusion surgeries. We developed a protocol for the administration of nusinersen in pediatric patients, which includes a decision-tree algorithm that categorizes patients according to the estimated technical difficulty for the intrathecal administration. Complex spine patients were defined as those with a Cobb angle greater than 50° and/or a history of spinal surgery, while the rest of patients were considered non-complex. Nusinersen was successfully administered through a conventional non-CT-guided lumbar puncture in all 14 non-complex spine patients (110 out of 110 procedures; 100%). The feasibility of the intrathecal injection in the 15 complex spine patients was assessed by 3D CT. Administration was considered unfeasible in 7 out of these 15 patients according to imaging. In the 8 complex spine patients in whom the administration was considered feasible, conventional non-CT-guided lumbar punctures were successful only in 19 out of 53 procedures (36%). The remaining 34 procedures (64%) were guided by CT scan, all successful. Our work demonstrates that a cut-off point of 50° in Cobb angle and history of spinal surgery can reliably be used to anticipate the need for CT guidance in nusinersen administration.
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Rosiak G, Lusakowska A, Milczarek K, Konecki D, Fraczek A, Rowinski O, Kostera-Pruszczyk A. Ultra-low radiation dose protocol for CT-guided intrathecal nusinersen injections for patients with spinal muscular atrophy and severe scoliosis. Neuroradiology 2021; 63:539-545. [PMID: 33512541 PMCID: PMC7965851 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02643-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Intrathecal injection of nusinersen is an approved treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). CT-guided injection is a method of nusinersen administration in patients with severe scoliosis, in whom standard lumbar puncture is not feasible. The injections are repeated every 4 months for life, and accumulated radiation doses absorbed by the patient can increase the risk of cancer. In this study, we present the results of CT-guided intrathecal nusinersen injections with an ultra-low radiation dose protocol. Methods Eighteen patients (15 adults and three children) in whom standard lumbar puncture was not feasible due to severe scoliosis or spinal stabilization were included in this retrospective study. The first 23 injections were performed with a standard radiation dose protocol and the next 42 injections with an ultra-low-dose protocol. The radiation doses, measured as total dose length product (DLP), were acquired and compared between the protocols. Results Injections were successful in 100% of patients with both ultra-low-dose and standard protocols. The radiation dose, measured as DLP, was 111.2–1100.7 (Me = 248.1) mGy*cm for the standard protocol. For the ultra-low-dose protocol, the dose range was 5.0–54.4 (Me = 26.7) mGy*cm, which was significantly lower than with the standard protocol (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.67). Conclusion Radiation doses can be significantly decreased in the CT-guided injection of nusinersen. The proposed protocol allows for effective CT-guided intrathecal nusinersen administration in patients with SMA and severe scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Rosiak
- II Department of Radiology, Warsaw Medical University, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Anna Lusakowska
- Department of Neurology, Warsaw Medical University, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Milczarek
- II Department of Radiology, Warsaw Medical University, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Dariusz Konecki
- II Department of Radiology, Warsaw Medical University, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Anna Fraczek
- Department of Neurology, Warsaw Medical University, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Olgierd Rowinski
- II Department of Radiology, Warsaw Medical University, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warszawa, Poland
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