All newborns in England to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy from 2027
All babies born in England will be screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using the heel-prick test starting in October 2027, following a Department of Health and Social Care announcement. This universal screening aims to enable early detection and treatment, preventing the debilitating symptoms of the rare muscle-wasting disease.
Why it matters
This decision is a significant public health advancement, ensuring equitable access to early diagnosis and life-changing treatment for SMA, potentially saving lives and improving the quality of life for affected children in England.
The heel-prick test, which in England screens for 10 other conditions including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, will be used to detect SMA. The heel-prick test, which in England screens for 10 other conditions including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, will be used to detect SMA. Health All newborns in England to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy from 2027 Campaigners hail ‘landmark moment’ in early detection and treatment of rare muscle-wasting disease
Prefer the Guardian on Google Every baby born in England will be screened for a rare muscle-wasting disease, starting next year, the Department of Health and Social Care announced on Thursday.
Campaigners said the “landmark moment” should lead to babies who were found to have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) being treated early and thus growing up without any of its debilitating symptoms.
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