Understanding the Progression of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

In this video from the DNA Learning Center shared in July 2012, Dr. Darryl De Vivo from the Columbia University Medical Center discusses the progression of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

SMA families talk about their hopes for the future. 

De Vivo explains that the progression of the condition will depend on the severity of the disease: infants with type 1 SMA will suffer from a much quicker progression, from the early signs of the disease which usually appear with the first couple of months of life to losing the ability to breathe unaided by the time they are two or three years old; Those with types 2 and 3 will experience a much longer drawn-out progression of the disease and will be able to enjoy a good quality of life.

The effects of muscle deterioration on breathing and the development of the musculoskeletal system are also explained, and how the progression of SMA affects these areas of development in children.

Blocking muscle degrading factors may be the route to better type 3 SMA treatment. Find out more.

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