Implementation of "The Consensus Statement for the Standard of Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy" when applied to infants with severe type 1 SMA in the UK

Helen Roper^1,*, Ros Quinlivan²

¹ Birmimgham Heartlands Hospital, United Kingdom;
² Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthtpaedic Hospital, Oswestry, United Kingdom

Correspondence to: helen p roper, Paediatrics, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Dept Paediatrics, Birmingham Heartlands hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5SS, United Kingdom; helen.roper{at}heartofengland.nhs.uk

Accepted 22 August 2009

The diagnosis of severe type 1 SMA should be confirmed by an expert in paediatric neuromuscular disease. Invasive investigations are not usually necessary as the diagnosis is confirmed with a DNA blood test.

Care thereafter should be delivered close to home by a multi-disciplinary team with a clear point of access during times of crisis. The aim of care is to keep the infant as well as possible with the best possible quality of life.

There are many forms of active respiratory management which can help maintain the well-being of infants with severe type 1 SMA. These include approaches to reduce the risk of infection and aspiration as well as appropriate techniques of airway and secretion clearance. The use of NIV may be helpful for some, usually less-severely affected infants, particularly to assist extubation. Long-term invasive ventilation is not recommended.

Active assessment of feeding and nutrition is vital and most babies can be managed well with nasogastric feeds. Gastrostomy may be considered for some infants but the benefits should be carefully weighed against the risks.

It is vital to share information and formulate an anticipatory care plan with the infant’s parents from the point of diagnosis.

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