Newborns in Nova Scotia now screened for spinal muscular atrophy

The province says a new genetic test means newborns can now be screened for spinal muscular atrophy in the Maritimes.

The government announced it was adding the test to the Maritime Newborn Screening program, which will screen babies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disorder that affects nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement.

The move aims to provide an early diagnosis so that families can have access to care sooner for infants with the disorder.

The screening program expansion, which took effect Monday, is a partnership between the province, the Maritime Newborn Screening program and Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The province says Muscular Dystrophy Canada committed $420,000 for equipment, training and validation work to begin screening for SMA, a genetic condition that leads to muscle weakness.

It affects three to four newborns in the Maritimes each year and is now one of 24 conditions covered by the screening program.