Carriers of SMA
Being a spinal muscular atrophy carrier is more common than you think! Approximately 1 in 50 people are a genetic SMA carrier.
Have you been diagnosed as a SMA carrier?
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How Is SMA Inherited?
Most people have two functioning copies of the SMN1 gene. People with one non-working copy and one working copy of the gene are called “carriers.” Carriers generally do not show signs and symptoms of SMA but could be at risk to have a child affected with the condition.
SMA is an autosomal recessive genetic condition. This means that for a child to have SMA, they must inherit two non-working copies of the SMN1 gene—typically one from each parent. If only one parent is a carrier, the child is usually not at risk for SMA, though the child does have a 50% chance of also being a SMA carrier themselves.
In rare cases, spontaneous genetic changes in the SMN1 gene can occur during egg or sperm production. In this situation, only one parent will be a carrier. In addition, a small percentage of carriers have genetic changes that cannot be identified through current testing technology. In this case, it will appear that a single carrier has caused the disease.
SMA Carrier Testing
A DNA test is the only way to know if a person is a SMA carrier. The DNA test is a simple procedure, based on a blood test. In the general population, this test can detect about 95% of carriers. However, in African American populations, detection is closer to 70%. This is because a difficult-to-detect mutation is seen more frequently in African American populations than in other races.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women who are thinking about becoming pregnant, or who are already pregnant, be offered carrier screening for SMA and other genetic conditions. In addition, individuals with a family history of SMA are encouraged to have carrier screening. Deciding whether to undergo genetic testing is highly personal, and we strongly recommend discussing this with a physician or genetic counselor. Carrier screening via saliva testing is also available as an alternative to a blood test.
Reproductive Choices
For couples who are SMA carriers, reproductive decisions can be sensitive. Several options are available, such as no testing, prenatal testing, adoption, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD screens embryos for genetic disorders and selects the unaffected embryos for implantation. Currently, there are multiple treatments approved for individuals with SMA. These treatments have demonstrated beneficial results in many people with SMA. Additional treatments for SMA are being studied.
Cure SMA believes that everyone has the right to choose whatever option is best for your own values. We help people understand their options and provide resources to support their decision-making process. We do not advocate any specific course of action, nor do we pressure anyone to choose one way or the other. We encourage each person to discuss their situation with a physician, genetic counselor, and—if helpful—a therapist or spiritual advisor.