PolicyRSSMay 13
Australia, New Zealand develop guidelines for SMA newborn screening
Australia and New Zealand have created new guidelines to help doctors identify and treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in newborns as early as possible. These guidelines combine best practices for screening babies at birth, confirming the diagnosis, and starting treatment right away. This is important because early treatment can significantly improve outcomes for children with SMA.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you live in Australia or New Zealand with a newborn or are planning to have children, these new guidelines mean your baby is more likely to be screened for SMA at birth and treated immediately if affected, which can prevent severe muscle weakness.