Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/7356
Title: Our Journey from Individual Efforts to Nationwide Support: Implementing Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Serbia
Authors: Brkušanin, Miloš 
Garai, Nemanja
Karanović, Jelena 
Šljivančanin Jakovljević, Tamara
Dimitrijević, Aleksandra
Jovanović, Kristina
Mitrović, Tanja Lazić
Miković, Željko
Brajušković, Goran 
Nikolić, Dimitrije Mihailo
Savić-Pavićević, Dušanka 
Keywords: SMN1;feasibility study;genetic testing;motor neuron disease;neonatal screening;newborn screening;population screening;public health;real-time PCR;spinal muscular atrophy
Issue Date: 15-Aug-2024
Rank: M21
Publisher: MDPI
Journal: International journal of neonatal screening
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Start page: 57
Abstract: 
Innovative treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) yield the utmost advantages only within the presymptomatic phase, underlining the significance of newborn screening (NBS). We aimed to establish statewide NBS for SMA in Serbia. Our stepwise implementation process involved technical validation of a screening assay, collaboration with patient organizations and medical professionals, a feasibility study, and negotiation with public health representatives. Over 12,000 newborns were tested during the 17-month feasibility study, revealing two unrelated SMA infants and one older sibling. All three children received therapeutic interventions during the presymptomatic phase and have shown no signs of SMA. No false-negative results were found among the negative test results. As frontrunners in this field in Serbia, we established screening and diagnostic algorithms and follow-up protocols and raised awareness among stakeholders about the importance of early disease detection, leading to the incorporation of NBS for SMA into the national program on 15 September 2023. Since then, 54,393 newborns have been tested, identifying six SMA cases and enabling timely treatment. Our study demonstrates that effective collaborations between academia, non-profit organizations, and industry are crucial in bringing innovative healthcare initiatives to fruition, and highlights the potential of NBS to revolutionize healthcare outcomes for presymptomatic SMA infants and their families.
URI: https://biore.bio.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/7356
ISSN: 2409-515X
DOI: 10.3390/ijns10030057
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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