What happens if a baby has SMA?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy (when muscles get smaller). SMA can affect a child’s ability to crawl, walk, sit up, and control head movements. Severe SMA can damage the muscles used for breathing and swallowing.

What are the first signs of SMA?

Symptoms of SMA may include:

• muscle weakness and decreased muscle tone.
• limited mobility.
• breathing problems.
• problems eating and swallowing.
• delayed gross motor skills.
• spontaneous tongue movements.
• scoliosis (curvature of the spine)

How long do babies live with SMA?

Infants with type 1 SMA usually die before their second birthday. Children with type 2 or type 3 SMA may live full lives depending on the severity of symptoms. People who develop SMA during adulthood (type 4) often remain active and enjoy a normal life expectancy.

When do SMA symptoms appear?

Symptoms normally develop between 6 to 18 months of age. Children with chronic infantile SMA may sit independently, but need support to walk or stand. Other symptoms may include: Decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, such as the relfex that occurs when you tap on your knee.

Do babies with SMA move in the womb?

In most cases of SMA, signs and symptoms are present at birth or appear within the first 2 years of life. If your baby has SMA, it will limit their muscle strength and their ability to move. Your baby may also have difficulty breathing, swallowing, and feeding.

Can we detect SMA during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and there’s a risk you could have a child with SMA, tests can be carried out to check for the condition. The 2 main tests are: chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – a sample of cells from the placenta are tested, usually during weeks 11 to 14 of pregnancy.

Is SMA good newborn?

SMA High Energy® is a milk based formula for the dietary management of babies and young children with medically determined high energy requirements as identified by a healthcare professional. It is suitable as the sole source of nutrition up to 6 months of age, and in conjunction with solid food up to 18 months of age.

What happens if my baby has SMA?

If your baby has SMA, it will limit their muscle strength and their ability to move. Your baby may also have difficulty breathing, swallowing, and feeding. Take a moment to learn about how SMA may affect your child, as well as some of the treatment options that are available to manage this condition.

Who is affected by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)?

People of any race or gender can be affected by spinal muscular atrophy. One in every 40 people carries the gene that causes SMA. A child of two gene carriers has a 25 percent chance of being born with spinal muscular atrophy.

What is severe SMA and how can it be treated?

Severe SMA can damage the muscles used for breathing and swallowing. There are four types of SMA. Some show up earlier and are more severe than others. All types of SMA need ongoing treatment by a medical care team. There’s no cure for SMA, but treatments can help children with SMA live a better life. What Happens in SMA?

What are the complications of SMA type III?

Complications include scoliosis and joint contractures—chronic shortening of muscles or tendons around joints–caused by abnormal muscle tone and weakness, which prevents the joints from moving freely. Individuals with SMA type III may be prone to respiratory infections, but with care most have a normal lifespan.