The respiratory impact of novel therapies for spinal muscular atrophy

Grace R. Paul, Courtney Gushue, Kavitha Kotha, Richard Shell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The phenotype of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been changing with the recent availability of three FDA-approved treatments: intrathecal nusinersen, intravenous onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, and enteral risdiplam. The degree of improvement in muscle strength and respiratory health varies with SMA genotype, severity of baseline neuromuscular and pulmonary impairment, medication used, and timing of the first dose. A spectrum of pulmonary outcomes has been reported with these novel medications when used early and in conjunction with proactive multidisciplinary management of comorbidities. In this review, we summarize the reported impact of these novel therapies on pulmonary well-being and the improving trajectory of pulmonary morbidity, compared to the natural history of SMA. The importance of ongoing clinical monitoring albeit the improved phenotype is reiterated. We also discuss the limitations of the current SMA-therapy trials and offer suggestions for future clinical-outcome studies and long-term monitoring.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)721-728
Number of pages8
JournalPediatric pulmonology
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • SMA
  • respiratory outcomes
  • treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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