Nusinersen induces detectable changes in compound motor action potential response in spinal muscular atrophy type 1 patients with severe impairment of motor function

Background

Most long-term affected spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 patients have severe impairment of motor function and are dependent on mechanical ventilation with tracheostomy. The efficacy and safety of nusinersen in these patients have not been established.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of intrathecal nusinersen treatment in patients with SMA type 1 who continued treatment for at least 12 months. There were three patients enrolled in our study (3, 4 and 16 years of age) who had severe impairment of gross motor function without head control or the ability to roll over. All three needed mechanical ventilation with tracheostomy and tube feeding. Motor function was assessed using the Children s Hospital of Philadelphia infant test of neuromuscular disorders (CHOP-INTEND) and the caregivers’ evaluations. Concurrently, we examined nerve conduction longitudinally and compared compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitudes.

Results

All patients continued nusinersen administration without significant adverse events for more than three years. While CHOP-INTEND scores did not remarkably increase, according to the caregivers, all three patients had improved finger or facial muscle movements that enabled them to make their intentions understood. Some CMAPs before treatment were not identified but became traces after nusinersen administration.

Conclusions

The improvement in motor function that leads to smoother communication could be a basis for continuing nusinersen treatment. Currently available motor function scorings are not efficient for assessing therapeutic interventions in SMA patients with medical care complexity. Longitudinal nerve conduction studies could be an objective indicator.