Until now, SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) had not been included in the list of tests performed under the “Newborn Screening Program in Poland for 2019–2022.” However, in February 2021, the Ministry of Health decided to add it to the list as part of the so-called small pilot newborn screening program for SMA. ZOZ Bolesławiec:
As of November 22, 2021, our hospital has joined the facilities participating in the aforementioned program.
And adds:
SMA is a genetically determined disease inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The disease causes the death of motor neurons in the spinal cord, consequently leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. It is a severe and progressive disease that, in most cases, leads to immobility and respiratory failure. Despite improvements in standards of care, it remains one of the most common causes of death among children with genetically determined diseases.
How does it work?
The blood sample is sent to the Screening Laboratory of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, which contacts the parents if an abnormality is detected.
More information is available on the Bolesławiec hospital’s website.