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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 0 Weeks to 2 Weeks |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | February 16, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT03217578 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
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Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yun-Hui Chou
- Email: wendychoucrn@gmail.com
- Phone: +886972977320
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Pregnancy-time treatment of fetal SMA: a registry of mother-child outcomes
This registry collects information on pregnancies where a fetus diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy was treated with a disease‑modifying therapy in the womb to see how the pregnancy and baby fare after birth.
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Intrathecal Zolgensma in spinal muscular atrophy patients in Japan
This study tests the safety and real‑world effectiveness of intrathecal onasemnogene abeparvovec in SMA patients in Japan.
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Spinal muscular atrophy patients get a single intrathecal gene therapy dose to see how it works in real-world U.S. settings
This study tests whether a one-time intrathecal dose of ITVISMA® (onasemnogene abeparvovec-brve) is safe and effective for SMA patients in real-world U.S. clinical practice.
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Salanersen (BIIB115) for improving movement in people 15–60 with spinal muscular atrophy who are treatment‑naïve or previously on risdiplam
This trial tests whether salanersen helps movement and is safe for people aged 15 to 60 with spinal muscular atrophy who are either new to treatment or have taken risdiplam.
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CuidAME: Spain's longitudinal registry for spinal muscular atrophy
This project collects long-term clinical and treatment data from children and adults with genetically confirmed 5q spinal muscular atrophy in Spain to track outcomes over time.
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Apitegromab for infants under 2 with spinal muscular atrophy
This trial will test whether adding apitegromab to approved SMA therapy helps infants under 2 with 5q SMA reach better motor milestones.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.