Spinal muscular atrophy Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

The lifespan in SMA type 1 is seldom longer than 2 - 3 years. Survival time with type II is longer, but the disease kills most of those affected while they are still children. Children with type III disease may survive into early adulthood. However, people with all forms of the disease have worsening weakness and debility.

Complications

• Aspiration
• Contractions of muscles and tendons
• Respiratory infections
• Scoliosis

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child:

• Appears weak
• Develops any other symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy
• Has difficulty feeding

Breathing difficulty can rapidly become an emergency condition.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of spinal muscular atrophy.

References

Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. The hip. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier;2007:chap 606.