Province screening babies for spinal muscular atrophy

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro, says the province is committed to helping.

“Alberta’s government is committed – and I am personally committed – to doing everything we can for kids with this devastating disease. Expanding our screening program means specialists can identify it sooner and treat it sooner, and hopefully give more kids a chance at a full, healthy life.”

“It’s one more way we are delivering on our commitment to strengthen our health system and make sure every family gets state-of-the-art care when they need it. Thanks so much to Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Alberta Precision Laboratories for supporting this life-saving work,” adds Shandro.

Stacey Lintern, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, says time is really important with newborns with spinal muscular atrophy.

“In a neuromuscular disorder like spinal muscular atrophy, where time is of the essence, early diagnosis and prompt access to treatments are critical to achieving the best possible outcomes. We commend the Province of Alberta and Alberta Precision Laboratories for stepping up for Alberta’s families and ultimately changing the lives of babies who will be diagnosed through screening in the future.”

For those that do not know what spinal muscular atrophy is, the province gave the following definition.

“Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic condition that weakens muscles by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. It is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality.”

They also added that the goal of the Newborn Metabolic Screening Program is to reduce morbidity and mortality among Alberta-born infants through timely screening and diagnosis.

“Early treatment can help prevent health problems, improve a baby’s health, and may even save a baby’s life.”

by Connor Gunn/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Province screening babies for spinal muscular atrophy

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