How to Administer Nusinersen in Adolescents 

How to Administer Nusinersen in Adolescents 

by | Jan 15, 2019 | Neurologists Resource Page Two, Neurologists Resource Pages, Nursing Resource Page Two, Nursing Resource Pages, Radiology Resource Page One, Radiology Resources

Nusinersen is the first treatment available for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Before its approval in 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had not approved the use of any drug for SMA treatment.1 While the introduction of this new drug marks...
Sleep Disorders in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Sleep Disorders in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

by | Jan 7, 2019 | Nursing Resource Page Two, Nursing Resource Pages, Nutritionist Resource Page Two, Nutritionist Resource Pages, Orthopedics Resource Page Two, Orthopedics Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page Two, Pediatricians Resources

Those with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) often suffer from sleep disorders, but the specific reasons for sleep disturbances vary. For instance, some studies on SMA report sleep disturbances resulting from breathing disorders like sleep apneas, whereas others report...
Respiratory Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Intubation and Extubation 

Respiratory Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Intubation and Extubation 

by | Dec 20, 2018 | Nursing Resource Page Two, Nursing Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page Two, Pediatricians Resources, Pulmonologist Resource Page Two, Pulmonologist Resource Pages

Intubation in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can be difficult or impossible,1 but the need for endotracheal intubation in SMA patients is increasing.2 In SMA type 1, respiratory failure can require frequent intubation in children ages three and below.3 As life...
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

by | Nov 28, 2018 | Nursing Resource Page Two, Nursing Resource Pages, Nutritionist Resource Page Two, Nutritionist Resource Pages, Urologist Resource Page Three, Urologist Resources

Nephrolithiasis is not a classic or well-documented symptom of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Nonetheless, anecdotal reports from physicians, patients, and caregivers suggest that patients with SMA may suffer from kidney stones more frequently than an otherwise...
Respiratory Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Airway Clearance

Respiratory Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Airway Clearance

by | Nov 27, 2018 | Nursing Resource Page Two, Nursing Resource Pages, Pediatricians Resource Page Two, Pediatricians Resources, Pulmonologist Resource Page One, Pulmonologist Resource Pages

Weakness in the respiratory system is a common and serious complication of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA),1 and pulmonary disease is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in SMA type 1 and SMA type 2 patients.2 Muscle atrophy and hypotonia are directly related...