Managing Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Adult Patients
Lauren Elman, MD; Arun Varadhachary, MD, PhD; Thomas Crawford, MD; Julie Parsons, MD, and Crystal Proud, MD, provide valuable insights into the distinct clinical features of pediatric and adult SMA, the complex process of transitioning patients from pediatric to adult healthcare services, and the importance of effectively counseling patients on available treatment options and setting realistic expectations for treatment success.
EP. 1: Clinical Features and Phenotypes of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Key opinion leaders offer a concise summary of the clinical characteristics and classifications of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), emphasizing the distinctive features observed in adult patients with SMA.
EP. 2: Natural History of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Panelists examine the natural history of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), assessing the characteristic indicators of motor function deterioration and the loss of ambulatory abilities as patients advance in age.
EP. 3: Presentation of Adult Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Clinics
Leading medical professionals specializing in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) discuss the common clinical presentations of undiagnosed or newly diagnosed adult patients, highlighting crucial signs and symptoms that healthcare providers should recognize.
Key opinion leaders (KOLs) address the challenges and obstacles associated with transitioning patients from pediatric to adult care as they age out of the pediatric system, offering valuable insights and strategies for successfully navigating this process.
EP. 5: Key Players in Transitioning Patients with SMA from Pediatric Care to Adult Health Care
Key opinion leaders (KOLs) further explore the transition of care from pediatric to adult healthcare systems for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), emphasizing the essential role of multidisciplinary support in ensuring a successful transition.
EP. 6: Managing Clinical Stability in Adults Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients
Clinical experts in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) address the issue of patient disengagement from healthcare services, which can occur due to a perceived lack of disease progression or stabilization, leading to undetected disease advancement and increased risk to patients, and provide recommendations for encouraging patients to re-engage with medical care.
