Parent Perceptions in Choosing Treatment for Infants With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Diagnosed Through Newborn Screening

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors parents considered in treatment decision making for children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy on newborn screening. METHODS: Participants were recruited through the University of Rochester or through flyers and Cure SMA social media outreach and asked to complete a telephone or online survey. Data were analyzed through mixed methods using descriptive statistics and theme identification in narrative responses. RESULTS: Eighteen parents with children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy on newborn screening participated. Thirteen of 18 chose onasemnogene abeparvovec, 2 of 18 chose risdiplam, 1 of 18 chose nusinersen, and 2 of 18 did not receive treatment. The most commonly reported factors impacting treatment choice included treatment frequency and administration method. Seventeen (94.4%) parents felt that inclusion of spinal muscular atrophy on newborn screening was positive because it could allow for better outcomes with earlier treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment frequency and administration method were the most important factors for parents in determining spinal muscular atrophy treatment. Parents felt positively about newborn screening due to opportunity for earlier treatment.