Michael S Cartwright1, Zachary T Ward1, Eric P White2, Thomas G West2. 1. Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 2. Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with nusinersen requires intrathecal medication administration, which can be challenging in individuals with complicated spines. This retrospective case series reviews the nusinersen treatment experience at one academic medical center with children and adults with SMA and complicated spines. METHODS: Twenty medical records of individuals receiving nusinersen were reviewed and administration methods summarized and assessed. RESULTS: Ten children and 10 adults were treated, and 55% had complicated spines. In total, 163 treatments were given, 91 in those with complicated spines. In the complicated spines, 74% of treatments were done by means of fluoroscopic lumbar puncture, 22% by means of intrathecal Ommaya reservoir, 3% by means of palpation, and < 1% by means of computed tomography-guided transforaminal approach. CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of individuals with complicated spines can receive intrathecal nusinersen using fluoroscopic guidance in the lumbar region. Other delivery methods are available but less frequently used.
BACKGROUND: The treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with nusinersen requires intrathecal medication administration, which can be challenging in individuals with complicated spines. This retrospective case series reviews the nusinersen treatment experience at one academic medical center with children and adults with SMA and complicated spines. METHODS: Twenty medical records of individuals receiving nusinersen were reviewed and administration methods summarized and assessed. RESULTS: Ten children and 10 adults were treated, and 55% had complicated spines. In total, 163 treatments were given, 91 in those with complicated spines. In the complicated spines, 74% of treatments were done by means of fluoroscopic lumbar puncture, 22% by means of intrathecal Ommaya reservoir, 3% by means of palpation, and < 1% by means of computed tomography-guided transforaminal approach. CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of individuals with complicated spines can receive intrathecal nusinersen using fluoroscopic guidance in the lumbar region. Other delivery methods are available but less frequently used.
Authors: Er Chen; Stacy Dixon; Rupali Naik; Josh M Noone; J Daniel Buchenberger; Sarah M Whitmire; Rosalina Mills; William Arnold Journal: Muscle Nerve Date: 2020-12-19 Impact factor: 3.217