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Intrathecal delivery of nusinersen in individuals with complicated spines
Author(s) -
Cartwright Michael S.,
Ward Zachary T.,
White Eric P.,
West Thomas G.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.26899
Subject(s) - medicine , intrathecal , sma* , lumbar , surgery , lumbar puncture , palpation , cerebrospinal fluid , pathology , mathematics , combinatorics
Background The treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with nusinersen requires intrathecal medication administration, which can be challenging in individuals with complicated spines. This retrospective case series reviews the nusinersen treatment experience at one academic medical center with children and adults with SMA and complicated spines. Methods Twenty medical records of individuals receiving nusinersen were reviewed and administration methods summarized and assessed. Results Ten children and 10 adults were treated, and 55% had complicated spines. In total, 163 treatments were given, 91 in those with complicated spines. In the complicated spines, 74% of treatments were done by means of fluoroscopic lumbar puncture, 22% by means of intrathecal Ommaya reservoir, 3% by means of palpation, and < 1% by means of computed tomography‐guided transforaminal approach. Conclusions A large majority of individuals with complicated spines can receive intrathecal nusinersen using fluoroscopic guidance in the lumbar region. Other delivery methods are available but less frequently used.