Gestational Age at Birth and Clinical Manifestations of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Michelle A. Farrar, Melissa R. Mandarakas, Nancy Briggs, Anita Cairns, Karen Herbert, Zena Junek, Tejaswi Kandula, Jacqui Russell, Hugo Sampaio, Didu Kariyawasam
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Enhanced efficacy with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatments is demonstrated with earlier initiation, ideally before the onset of symptoms. High-quality pregnancy and postnatal care for mother-baby dyads with SMA are important to ensure optimal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate obstetric and postnatal factors that could modify clinical outcomes of mother-baby dyads with SMA. METHODS: copies, regression models examined differences in gestational age at birth with study outcomes at diagnostic assessment, including clinical manifestations of SMA, motor function scores assessed with the CHOP-INTEND scale, and compound muscle action potential (CMAP). RESULTS: copies. DISCUSSION: Early detection and timely administration of treatments are imperative in managing the rapid and severe loss of motor function that can occur in neonates with SMA. A personalized obstetric health care approach, prenatal testing, and planning the timing of delivery and initiation of treatment for newborns with genetically diagnosed SMA may improve outcomes.