Muscular Atrophy clinical trials at UCLA

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by a loss or mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) on chromosome 5q13, which leads to reduced SMN protein levels and a selective dysfunction of motor neurons. SMA is an autosomal recessive, early childhood disease with an incidence of 1:10,000 live births. SMA is the leading cause of infant mortality due to genetic diseases. Until recently, the mainstay of treatment for these patients was supportive medical care. However, advances in medical treatment focusing on gene replacement, gene enhancement, motor neuron protection and muscle enhancement is likely to change the management and prognosis of these patients in the future. The purpose of this registry is to assess the long term outcomes of patients with SMA in the context of advances in treatment options.