Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 0 Weeks to 2 Weeks

Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Newborns

Official title: Study on the Neonatal Screening of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Run by Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital · NCT03217578 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to screen newborns in Taiwan for Spinal Muscular Atrophy to catch it early and help affected babies get the care they need.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages0 Weeks to 2 Weeks
SexAll
Enrollment250000 (estimated)
SponsorKaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kaohsiung City)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2017
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2030
Study endsDecember 31, 2030
Registry record updatedFebruary 16, 2024
Trial IDNCT03217578 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are neonates born in Taiwan whose parents or legal guardians consent to SMA screening.

Probably not a fit

Patients whose parents or legal guardians do not agree to perform SMA newborn screening will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to screen neonates in Taiwan for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) using dried blood spots from routine newborn screening samples. The screening tests for the loss of 2 copies of the SMN1 gene, and if positive, further confirmation will be conducted through multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) tests and motor function monitoring. Confirmed SMA patients will receive genetic counseling and standard care. The study focuses on early detection and intervention for affected infants.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this screening could lead to earlier diagnosis and management of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in newborns, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar newborn screening approaches for genetic conditions, indicating potential for effective early detection.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Neonates born in Taiwan who receive regular newborn screening suggested by Ministry of Heath and Welfare.
2. Parents or legal guardian agree to perform SMA newborn screening.

Exclusion Criteria:

Parents or legal guardian do not agree to perform SMA newborn screening.

Where it's running

  • Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
    Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.