What does SMA do?

A smooth muscle antibody (SMA) is a type of antibody known as an autoantibody. Normally, your immune system makes antibodies to attack foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. An autoantibody attacks the body's own cells and tissues by mistake. SMAs attack smooth muscle tissues in the liver and other parts of the body.

What are the types of SMA?

SMA type I, also called Werdnig-Hoffmann disease or infantile-onset SMA, is evident usually before 6 months of age. The most severely affected infants (SMA type 0 or IA) have reduced movements even in utero and are born with contractures and breathing difficulties, with death occurring in the first year of life without treatment.

How is SMA treated?

There isn’t a cure for SMA. Treatments depend upon the type of SMA and symptoms. Many people with SMA benefit from physical and occupational therapy and assistive devices, such as orthopaedic braces, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs. Disease-modifying therapy: These drugs stimulate production of SMN protein.