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First Baby Identified at Glasgow SMA Screening Centre Starts Treatment
A five-day newborn bloodspot test found the infant before symptoms developed, and officials say the pilot could inform permanent screening.
- Scotland's national spinal muscular atrophy screening pilot identified its first baby at five days old, enabling specialists at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow to begin life-changing treatment before symptoms developed.
- Launched in March 2026, the two-year pilot is funded by the Scottish Government and pharmaceutical company Novartis to gather evidence for the UK National Screening Committee on whether SMA testing should become permanent.
- SMA is a rare genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting that affects breathing and swallowing. Dr. Iain Horrocks, consultant paediatric neurologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde , noted early treatment dramatically alters the condition's course.
- Minister for Public Health Maree Todd stated early diagnosis offers "the best possible chance of improved outcomes." The Scottish Newborn Screening Laboratory at QEUH performs testing during routine newborn blood spot checks.
- While SMA affects about 70 infants annually across the UK, this milestone demonstrates the real-world impact of newborn screening. Results from the transformational programme may support wider national implementation.
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The Herald Scotland+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
First baby identified through Scotland's SMA screening programme starts treatment
The first baby in Scotland to be identified with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) through the country's newborn screening programme has started…
·Glasgow, United Kingdom
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First baby identified through Scotland’s SMA screening programme starts treatment
The first baby identified through a UK-first spinal muscular atrophy screening programme has started life-changing treatment. The newborn was tested at five days old through Scotland’s national in-service evaluation of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) screening. Following a positive result, the baby was referred to specialist services to begin treatment before symptoms developed. SMA is a […]
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