"The heel prick test will now be accompanied by testing for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare muscle-wasting condition that can potentially lead to a child's death by the age of two."
"Several cutting-edge treatments are now available that can mitigate SMA's most serious effects, but timing is crucial."
Newborns will now undergo screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) alongside the heel prick test. SMA is a rare genetic condition that causes muscle wasting and can lead to death by age two. The introduction of this screening allows for early detection and intervention, which is crucial for improving outcomes. Timely treatment options are available that can significantly reduce the most serious effects of SMA, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis.
Read at Independent
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