News Release
June 1, 2021
The Texas
Department of State Health Services today adds testing for spinal muscular atrophy
to the health screening done for every baby born in Texas. About 1 in 10,000
babies are affected by SMA, and this new screening can detect about 95 percent
of all SMA cases before symptoms occur.
SMA is an
inherited condition that affects the cells in the spinal cord that signal the
muscles to work. Over time, the muscles get weaker and activities such as
crawling, walking, sitting up and controlling head movements become more
difficult. Severe cases of SMA affect the muscles used for breathing and
swallowing and can lead to early death. There is no cure for SMA but there are
multiple FDA-approved treatments available that are effective if the condition
is diagnosed early.
“Screening all Texas babies for spinal
muscular atrophy will help identify more than 40 cases a year,” said DSHS
Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD. “Early detection will enable people with SMA
to get life changing treatment before symptoms develop.”
The Texas Newborn Screening
Laboratory tests nearly 800,000 specimens each year for close to 400,000 newborns.
A simple heel stick blood sample collected from newborns one to two days after
birth and again two weeks later enables testing of every Texas baby for 55
disorders or medical conditions. Finding and treating these disorders early can
prevent serious complications, such as growth problems, developmental delays,
deafness, blindness, intellectual disabilities, seizures and sudden or early
death.
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(News Media Contact: pressofficer@dshs.texas.gov)