Introduction
Our service aims to provide a diagnostic and clinical management service for children and young people living with a neuromuscular condition. We are a tertiary referral centre covering the North West and the department works closely with cardiology, endocrine, general paediatrics, respiratory, orthopaedic, clinical genetics and psychology services within the hospital. We are also a clinical research trial centre.
The service was awarded ‘Paediatric Centre of Clinical Excellence’ by Muscular Dystrophy UK in January 2024 as well as being part of the North West Adult and Paediatric Neuromuscular Network that achieved ‘Network of Excellence’ status in 2017.
Meet the Team
Paediatric Neurology Consultants with a specialist interest in neuromuscular conditions:
- Dr Gary McCullagh
- Dr Uma Varma
- Dr Emily Whitehouse
- Dr Oge Okpala
Neuromuscular Specialist Practitioners:
- Janet Johnson, Team Leader of the Neuromuscular Practitioners
- Ashlea Spence
- Abby Collinge
- Mollie Whitworth
Highly Specialised Neuromuscular Physiotherapists:
- Sinead Warner
- Emily Reading
National MDT Co-ordinator for Zolgensma
- Modupe Odebunmi
Other professionals you may meet or talk to:
- Respiratory Technician
- Dietician
- Speech and Language Therapist
What to expect when you see us in clinic
- Having height and weight measured
- Breathing tests if needed
- Meeting several members of the team, which may include medical students
- Discuss and explore any problems and difficulties your child is experiencing
- Medical and therapy assessment which may involve removing some items of clothing e.g. shoes and socks
- Opportunities to ask questions
- An agreed plan and if necessary arrangement for further tests and appointments
Preparing for your appointment
- Talk to your child about why they are coming
- Know the names and doses of any medication
- Think about questions you may want to ask using our question sheet
- Bring along any splints, braces or other orthotic devices you wear
Treatment for Type-1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic neuromuscular condition. It is caused by defects in both copies of the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1). This gene produces the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein which maintains the health and normal function of motor neurons. Individuals with SMA have insufficient levels of the SMN protein, which leads to loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, producing weakness and wasting of the skeletal muscles. There is a wide spectrum of severity of SMA from the most severe type 1 (non-sitters) through type 2 (sitters) to type 3 (walkers).
Type 1 is the most common, symptoms of muscle weakness usually begin between 0 and 6 months. Infants are unable to sit without support. They also often have feeding and breathing difficulties due to their weak muscles. Generally, the earlier the onset of symptoms, the more severe the condition.
At Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT), Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital has a long-established paediatric multidisciplinary neuromuscular team who provide the multi-faceted care required by all children with SMA.
In recent years new treatments have become available for this condition. These include Nusinersen and Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma). You can read more about these in the boxes below.
For more information on SMA, please visit https://smauk.org.uk
For more information on treatments for SMA, please visit the website of your regional neuromuscular centre – https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/get-support/support-services-in-your-area
Nusinersen
Nusinersen works by its action on the SMN2 gene, which normally produces only a very small amount of SMN protein, causing it to produce more SMN protein. Nusinersen needs to be given by injection into the spinal canal by lumbar puncture. Four loading doses are given in the first 2 months of treatment and, thereafter, it is given every 4 months. This treatment is delivered at RMCH.
Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma)
This is a gene replacement therapy in which copies of the SMN1 gene are packaged in a virus, the AAV9 virus, which has been modified so it is unable to multiply.
MFT is one of four infusion centres in England delivering this treatment for babies and young children with SMA type 1 who are eligible according to the NICE recommendation or NHS England agreement.
Gene replacement therapy is given by one intravenous infusion. It can lead to improvement in motor function and prolong life expectancy.
Referral for gene replacement therapy is from regional neuromuscular centres, and approval by a national MDT is required for children 7 months of age or older or those already on treatment.
This treatment marks another significant milestone for gene therapies in the NHS and adds to the suite of Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products available at RMCH.
Both these treatments have the greatest effect when delivered early in the course of the condition. Treated children require continued support from their regional neuromuscular team.
