Burden of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) on Patients and Caregivers in Canada

BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness, which occurs in one in 6,000 to 10,000 live births. The burden of SMA on Canadian patients and caregivers is not known. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the burden of SMA in Canada as reported by patients and caregivers, including disease and treatment impacts, indirect costs, and caregiver burden. METHODS: Surveys were distributed by Cure SMA Canada and Muscular Dystrophy Canada to individuals with SMA and their caregivers. The online surveys were anonymous and completed between January 28 and February 21, 2020. RESULTS: 965 patient and 962 caregiver responses met the eligibility criteria. Patients reported SMA subtypes as: type I (25.0%), type II (41.3%), type III (29.3%). Using the EQ-5D, patients were shown to have impaired quality of life with an average health utility index of 0.49 (SD: 0.26). The median expenditure was $4,500 CAD (IQR: $1,587 – $11,000) for assistive devices; $6,800 CAD (IQR: $3,900–$13,000) on health professional services; and $1,200 CAD (IQR: $600 –$3,100) on SMA-related travel and accommodation in the past 12 months. Caregivers reported needing respite care (45.7%), physiotherapy for an injury from a lift/transfer (45.7%), or other health impacts (63.3%). Caregivers reported changes to personal plans, sleep disturbances, and work adjustments, with a mean Caregiver Strain Index score of 7.5 [SD: 3.3]. CONCLUSION: SMA in Canada is associated with a significant burden for patients and their caregivers.