Background:The impact of nusinersen therapy on outcomes in adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) remains uncertain. Objective: To demonstrate whether nusinersen therapy, at currently prescribed doses, can stabilize or improve motor function in adults with SMA using existing outcome measures. Methods: A single-center prospective cohort study of 6 adults with SMA type 3, with inclusion/exclusion criteria intended to optimize the ability to demonstrate change using established outcome measures. Primary outcomes were the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE) and the Revised Upper Limb Measure (RULM). Secondary outcomes were the PedsQL Fatigue scale, the SMA Functional Rating Scale (SMAFRS), and the 6-minute and 10-meter walk tests (6 MWT and 10 MWT). Estimates of change in HFMSE and RULM mean scores across visits were calculated using a linear mixed effects model. Change from baseline was used for other outcome measures. Results: HFMSE and RULM scores over 12 months were stable or improved in all participants, with a mean increase of 2 points in each. Other measures showed high intra-individual variability. Adverse events related to the primary diagnosis, including injury and infection, significantly impacted the ability to reliably perform walk tests in the four ambulatory participants. Conclusions: HFMSE and RULM show potential as responsive outcome measures of motor function in ambulatory and non-ambulatory adults with SMA type 3. A time-dependent accrual of benefit of nusinersen on motor function was apparent in this cohort. More sensitive alternative measures of quality of life, fatigue, exercise tolerance, stability and ADLs are clearly needed for adults with SMA.

Children with SMA type II defined as obese using objective variables are at increased risk for impaired glucose tolerance regardless of whether or not they visually appear obese. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and tolerance for fasting within the broader heterogeneous SMA population and to develop appropriate guidelines for intervention.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe stander use in a natural history cohort of drug therapy-naïve children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who are not walking and identify factors associated with consistent stander use. Methods: Data from 397 children with SMA types 1 and 2 characterized the prevalence and frequency of stander use. Predictors of consistent stander use explored were SMA type, survival motor neuron 2 gene (SMN2) copy number, respiratory support, and motor performance. Results: Prevalence of consistent stander use was 13% in type 1 and 68% in type 2. SMA type, SMN2 copy number, respiratory support, and head rotation control each predicted consistent stander use. Conclusions: Findings characterize stander use in children with SMA who are not walking, address important safety considerations, identify factors that may inform physical therapists' clinical decision-making related to standing program prescription, and provide guidance for future prospective studies.