Autosomal recessive spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is the second anterior horn cell disease in infants in which the genetic defect has been defined. SMARD1 results from mutations in the gene encoding the immunoglobulin micro-binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2) on chromosome 11q13. Our aim was to review the clinical features of 29 infants affected with SMARD1 and report on 26 novel IGHMBP2 mutations. Intrauterine growth retardation, weak cry, and foot deformities were the earliest symptoms of SMARD1. Most patients presented at the age of 1 to 6 months with respiratory distress due to diaphragmatic paralysis and progressive muscle weakness with predominantly distal lower limb muscle involvement. Sensory and autonomic nerves are also affected. Because of the poor prognosis, there is a demand for prenatal diagnosis, and clear diagnostic criteria for infantile SMARD1 are needed. The diagnosis of SMARD1 should be considered in infants with non-5q spinal muscular atrophy, neuropathy, and muscle weakness and/or respiratory distress of unclear cause. Furthermore, consanguineous parents of a child with sudden infant death syndrome should be examined for IGHMBP2 mutations.
We describe 6 unrelated patients affected by infantile spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) with prolonged survival upon mechanical ventilation (4.5-11 years), which has not been reported before. Biallelic mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene proved the diagnosis of SMARD1 in all patients. Disease onset was in the first 2 months in the described patients, starting with generalised hypotonia, failure to thrive, and early breathing difficulties. Diaphragmatic palsy was diagnosed and permanent ventilation was initiated 2-8 months after onset. Within months a more distal muscular atrophy became evident associated with joint contractures (talipes), hand drops, and fatty finger pads. Motor development remained minimal, loss of function was observed within the first year after which no further progression was recorded. Voiding dysfunction with reflux nephropathy was observed in 3 patients and has not been reported before. Further evidence of autonomic nerve dysfunction resulting in cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, and excessive sweating was given in 2 patients. Investigative results were largely compatible with those obtained in classic SMA. However, neurogenic atrophy muscle was more pronounced in distal muscles, if examined, and there was evidence of peripheral nerve involvement at least in some patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.