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Launched: Spinal muscular atrophy newborn screening pilot program
As of February 28, all infants born in Alberta will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as part of a one-year pilot program.
SMA is a genetic disorder that affects motor neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. This results in muscle weakness and wasting. SMA affects about 1 in every 10,000 infants.
Alberta is the second province in Canada to screen all newborns for SMA. Identifying this condition early ensures that newborns can access treatment sooner when it’s more effective. Blood spot screening of all infants in Alberta is coordinated through the Newborn Metabolic Screening (NMS) Program.
Alberta Health has committed to continuing newborn screening and treatment of SMA once the pilot is complete.
What to know as a physician
The notification process remains the same as for other screened conditions through Alberta’s NMS Program.
- The ordering health care provider and the appropriate on-call specialist will be notified of the result by the newborn screening laboratory.
- Follow-up diagnostic testing and treatment will be managed through the specialty clinic.
- Families will be contacted by ordering provider or the specialty clinic.
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