Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Biomarkers Study in the Immediate Postnatal Period of Development
![]() |
The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01736553 |
Recruitment Status :
Completed
First Posted : November 29, 2012
Results First Posted : May 4, 2018
Last Update Posted : May 4, 2018
|
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- Study Results
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Condition or disease |
---|
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) |
Aim 1. To establish the validity of putative physiological SMA biomarkers in the immediate postnatal period. A longitudinal, natural history examination of physiological markers of muscle innervation will be performed in healthy and SMA infants. The first week of life is the ideal first time point, with visits occurring at scheduled visits up to the age two. Compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitude and electrical impedance myography (EIM) will be examined and will be correlated with motor function. Each of these is associated with muscle innervation and provides information on the number and function of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, the cellular target of SMA therapeutic interventions. This trial will establish the natural history of these putative SMA biomarkers as the disease evolves in affected infants. Moreover, our approach will allow for measurements in pre-symptomatic and early symptomatic subjects and determine their predictive value.
Aim 2. To establish the validity of putative molecular SMA biomarkers in the immediate postnatal period. Survival Motor Neuron (SMN2) copy number is a valid, predictive molecular SMA biomarker; however, it is fixed, and therefore not useful as a biomarker of clinical progression or response to therapy. SMN messenger Ribonucleic acid (mRNA) ( and protein expression is variable in different cell types and, in mice, naturally decreases with age postnatally. In this study, SMN expression levels will be measured longitudinally in SMA patients and controls. Additional putative molecular SMA markers that have been identified to correlate with motor function will be determined in an effort to distinguish between predictive markers that change prior to development of weakness and those that change as a consequence of weakness.
Study Type : | Observational |
Actual Enrollment : | 53 participants |
Observational Model: | Cohort |
Time Perspective: | Prospective |
Official Title: | Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Biomarkers in the Immediate Postnatal Period of Development |
Study Start Date : | December 2012 |
Actual Primary Completion Date : | September 2015 |
Actual Study Completion Date : | September 2015 |

Group/Cohort |
---|
Infants with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Infants diagnosed Spinal Muscular Atrophy
|
Healthy controls
Healthy control infants
|
- Motor Function Assessments- Test for Infant Motor Performance Screening Items (TIMPSI) [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]
Describe & compare the distribution of motor function assessments over the first two years of life in SMA vs. healthy control infants.
The TIMPSI is used to assess the postural and selective control of movement typically used by infants younger than 5 months. The TIMPSI scores were related to an infant's ability to reach. The TIMPSI is a 29-item evaluation that contains 3 item sets: a Screening set, an Easy set, and a Hard set. The Screening set consists of 11 items from the TIMP, each with a 5- to 7-point rating scale; the Easy set has 6 items with 5- or 6-point rating scales and 4 dichotomously scored items; the Hard set has 8 items, 3 with 5-point rating scales and 5 items that are scored dichotomously. The Total score is derived from all subset scores and is the sum of those subset scores. The final score could range from 0 to 99 points. The higher the score the better the functional ability of the participant. Linear mixed effects models were used for analyses.
- Motor Function Assessments- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test for Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]The TIMPSI motor function testing was done during all of the study visits knowing that the healthy controls would eventually ceiling out. The study design allowed for secondary motor function tests based on the score of the TIMPSI. If infants scored a 41 or above on the TIMPSI they would be tested with the AIMS. If they were below they were tested with the CHOP-INTEND. The CHOP-INTEND is a reliable and validated, comprehensive assessment of the postural and selective control of movement needed by infants. It is a clinician-rated questionnaire developed to assess motor skill in spinal muscular atrophy type I. The 16 items are scored from 0 to 4. The global score ranges from 0 to 64, a higher score indicating better motor skills.(Finkel, McDermott, 2014). All healthy controls based upon scores at 6 months moved on to the AIMS test, therefore no healthy controls completed the CHOP-INTEND. Linear mixed effects models were used for analyses of Motor function outcome data.
- Motor Function Assessments-Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]
Linear mixed effects models were used for analyses.
The reason that the number of infants differ from those in participant flow is based upon the protocol. The selection of which secondary test to perform depended upon the score of the TIMPSI that was performed. TIMPSI <41, do CHOP-NTEND. TIMPSI > 41, do AIMS.
The AIMS incorporates the neuromaturational concept and the dynamical systems theory and is used to measure gross motor maturation of infants from birth through the age of independent walking (Piper, Pinnell et al. 1992, Piper, Darrah et al 1994). In the AIMS, the impact of neurological components on motor development is reflected by a sequence of motor skills, which are used as the basis of assessment. The AIMS consists of 58 items, including 4 positions: prone (21 items), supine (9 items), sitting (12 items) & standing(16 items). The highest score available is 58. The higher the score the better the functional ability of the participant.
- Putative Physiological Biomarker- Compound Motor Action Potential Testing (CMAP) [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]
Describe and compare the distribution of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers over the first two years of life in SMA vs. healthy control infants.
Maximum ulnar CMAP amplitude and area will be obtained by recording from the abductor digitiminimi muscle following ulnar nerve stimulation at the wrist. All electrophysiologic testing will be performed by certified electromyographers experienced in the assessment of pediatric patients. Maximum values for both negative peak (NP) amplitude and NP area will be obtained. No medications will be used.
This test is done routinely in this population. Pediatric electrodes and each site's standard electromyograph devices will be utilized. The test, while not considered to be painful, may cause some discomfort similar to a static electric shock. Infants may whimper or cry due to the surprise of the shock. Each shock lasts approximately 0.1 millisecond. The testing duration is expected to be approximately 30 seconds.
- Molecular Biomarkers- mRNA [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]
Describe and compare the distribution of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers over the first two years of life in SMA vs. healthy control infants.
Results were measured in survival motor neurons (SMN), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) Ratio.
- Molecular Biomarkers- SMN Protein Levels [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]Describe and compare the distribution of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers over the first two years of life in SMA vs. healthy control infants.
- Putative Physiological Biomarkers-Weight [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]Describe and compare the distribution of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers over the first two years of life in SMA vs. healthy control infants.
- Correlation of Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects- CMAP [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]In these analyses motor function score was the outcome measure. Correlation was defined as the estimated mean increase per a one unit increase in the biomarker under consideration. A linear mixed effects model was used to estimate the correlation between the biomarker and motor function score. Separate models were used for the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND. In the CHOP-INTEND analyses, correlations were not estimable for the 18 and 24 month visits.
- Correlation of Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects- mRNA [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]In these analyses motor function score was the outcome measure. Correlation was defined as the estimated mean increase per a one unit increase in the biomarker under consideration. A linear mixed effects model was used to estimate the correlation between the biomarker and motor function score. Separate models were used for the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND.
- Correlation of Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects- SMN Protein [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]In these analyses motor function score was the outcome measure. Correlation was defined as the estimated mean increase per a one unit increase in the biomarker under consideration. A linear mixed effects model was used to estimate the correlation between the biomarker and motor function score. Separate models were used for the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND. In the CHOP-INTEND analyses, the correlation at the 24 month visit was not estimable.
- Correlation of Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects- Weight [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]In these analyses motor function score was the outcome measure. Correlation was defined as the estimated mean increase per a one unit increase in the biomarker under consideration. A linear mixed effects model was used to estimate the correlation between the biomarker and motor function score. Separate models were used for the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND.
- Correlation of Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for Healthy Control Subjects- CMAP [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]In these analyses motor function score was the outcome measure. Correlation was defined as the estimated mean increase per a one unit increase in the biomarker under consideration. A linear mixed effects model was used to estimate the correlation between the biomarker and motor function score. Separate models were used for the TIMPSI and AIMS.
- Correlation of Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for Healthy Control Subjects- mRNA [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]In these analyses motor function score was the outcome measure. Correlation was defined as the estimated mean increase per a one unit increase in the biomarker under consideration. A linear mixed effects model was used to estimate the correlation between the biomarker and motor function score. Separate models were used for the TIMPSI and AIMS.
- Correlation of Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for Healthy Control Subjects- Weight [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]In these analyses motor function score was the outcome measure. Correlation was defined as the estimated mean increase per a one unit increase in the biomarker under consideration. A linear mixed effects model was used to estimate the correlation between the biomarker and motor function score. Separate models were used for the TIMPSI and AIMS.
- Biomarker Prediction of Risk of Death [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]Examine whether any of the motor function assessments, putative physiological, or molecular biomarkers predict risk of death in the SMA cohort. Proportional hazards regression models used to determine if motor function scores, mRNA, and protein levels predict death in SMA subjects. Considered each predictor separately modeled as a time-varying covariate (predictor values were allowed to vary as time to death was assessed).
- Motor Function Assessments- Test for Infant Motor Performance Screening Items (TIMPSI) SMN Copy Number =2 Cohort [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]
Describe and compare the distribution of motor function assessments over the first two years of life in SMA subjects with SMN copy number = 2 versus healthy control infants.
The TIMPSI is used to assess the postural and selective control of movement typically used by infants younger than 5 months. The TIMPSI scores were related to an infant's ability to reach. The TIMPSI is a 29-item evaluation that contains 3 item sets: a Screening set, an Easy set, and a Hard set. The Screening set consists of 11 items from the TIMP, each with a 5- to 7-point rating scale; the Easy set has 6 items with 5- or 6-point rating scales and 4 dichotomously scored items; the Hard set has 8 items, 3 with 5-point rating scales and 5 items that are scored dichotomously. The Total score is derived from all subset scores and is the sum of those subset scores. The final score could range from 0 to 99 points. The higher the score the better the functional ability of the participant.
- Motor Function Assessments- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test for Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) SMN Copy Number =2 Cohort [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]
Describe and compare the distribution of motor function assessments over the first two years of life in SMA subjects with SMN copy number = 2 versus healthy control infants.
The CHOP-INTEND is a reliable and validated, comprehensive assessment of the postural and selective control of movement needed by infants. It is a clinician-rated questionnaire developed to assess motor skill in spinal muscular atrophy type I. The 16 items are scored from 0 to 4. The global score ranges from 0 to 64, a higher score indicating better motor skills.(Finkel, McDermott, 2014).
- Putative Physiological Biomarker- Compound Motor Action Potential Testing (CMAP) SMN Copy Number = 2 Cohort [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]
Describe and compare the distribution of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers over the first two years of life in SMA2 vs. healthy control infants.
Maximum ulnar CMAP amplitude and area will be obtained by recording from the abductor digitiminimi muscle following ulnar nerve stimulation at the wrist. All electrophysiologic testing will be performed by certified electromyographers experienced in the assessment of pediatric patients. Maximum values for both negative peak (NP) amplitude and NP area will be obtained. No medications will be used.
This test is done routinely in this population. Pediatric electrodes and each site's standard electromyograph devices will be utilized. The test, while not considered to be painful, may cause some discomfort similar to a static electric shock. Infants may whimper or cry due to the surprise of the shock. Each shock lasts approximately 0.1 millisecond. The testing duration is expected to be approximately 30 seconds.
- Molecular Biomarkers- mRNA SMA Copy Number = 2 Cohort [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]Describe and compare the distribution of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers over the first two years of life in SMA vs. healthy control infants.
- Molecular Biomarkers- SMN Protein Levels SMA Copy Number = 2 [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]Describe and compare the distribution of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers over the first two years of life in SMA2 vs. healthy control infants.
- Putative Physiological Biomarkers-Weight SMN Copy Number =2 Cohort [ Time Frame: Up to 24 months ]Describe and compare the distribution of motor function assessments over the first two years of life in SMA subjects with SMN copy number = 2 versus healthy control infants
- Correlation of CMAP Biomarker With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects SMN Copy Number =2 Cohort [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]Examine the correlation between each of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers with the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND over the first two years of life in SMA (SMN = 2). All estimated correlations are the same at each study visit.
- Correlation of mRNA Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects SMN Copy Number =2 Cohort [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]Examine the correlation between each of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers with the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND over the first two years of life in SMA (SMN = 2). All estimated correlations are the same at each study visit.
- Correlation of Protein Level Biomarkers With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects SMN Copy Number =2 Cohort [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]Examine the correlation between each of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers with the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND over the first two years of life in SMA (SMN = 2). All estimated correlations are the same at each study visit.
- Correlation of Biomarkers (Weight) With Motor Function Tests for SMA Subjects SMN Copy Number =2 Cohort [ Time Frame: up to 24 months ]Examine the correlation between each of the putative physiological and molecular biomarkers with the TIMPSI and CHOP-INTEND over the first two years of life in SMA (SMN = 2). All estimated correlations are the same at each study visit.
Biospecimen Retention: Samples With DNA

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
Ages Eligible for Study: | up to 6 Months (Child) |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | All |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | Yes |
Sampling Method: | Non-Probability Sample |
Fifty four (54) volunteers will be enrolled at 15 NeuroNEXT Network centers. Any volunteer who signs an informed consent form and has blood collected for the study is considered enrolled.
Recruitment will be coordinated nationally through the Families of SMA Patient Network and NeuroNEXT who will help with the following:
- Identifying infants diagnosed genetically with SMA because of a clinical suspicion prior to 6 months of age.
- Publicize the project to raise awareness in medical and non-medical communities.
Any normal infant may enroll in this study.
Inclusion Criteria:
All infants will be between 0-6 months of age at the time of enrollment. Parents or guardians of the enrolled infants must sign an informed consent form prior to any study procedure being performed.
The infants with SMA must have already had a positive DNA test outside of the study to qualify for enrollment. An infant with SMA can have any number of SMN2 gene copies. Knowledge of the number of SMN2 gene copies prior to enrollment is not required.
Healthy control infants who meet the following criteria will be enrolled:
- Birth between 36 and 42 weeks inclusive of gestation
- Siblings of children with SMA must have had prior SMA genetic testing completed con-firming the infant is a healthy control
- Principal investigator feels the family/infant is able and willing to comply with study procedures
- Parent or guardian able to give informed consent
SMA infants who meet the following criteria will be enrolled:
- Birth between 36 and 42 weeks inclusive of gestation
- Positive SMN1 gene mutation/deletion
- Principal investigator feels the family/infant is able and willing to comply with study procedures
- Parent or guardian able to give informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Use of any putative therapy intended to increase the amount of SMN protein in cells
- Enrollment in an SMA therapeutic trial at the time of enrollment in the SMA biomarker study
- Have a systemic illness requiring ongoing treatment, such as pneumonia
- Clinically significant abnormal findings (as determined by the investigator) on the physical examination or medical history (including history of tracheostomy tubes and ventilator-dependency)
- Dependency upon non-invasive ventilatory support (ie: BiPAP) for more than 12 hours/day

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01736553
United States, California | |
University of California - Davis | |
Davis, California, United States, 95616 | |
University of California - Los Angeles | |
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90095 | |
United States, Colorado | |
Children's Hospital Colorado | |
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045 | |
United States, District of Columbia | |
Children's National Medical Center | |
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, 20010 | |
United States, Illinois | |
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago | |
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611 | |
United States, Massachusetts | |
Boston Children's Hospital | |
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115 | |
United States, Missouri | |
Children's Mercy Hospital | |
Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64108 | |
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine | |
Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110 | |
United States, New York | |
Columbia University Medical Center | |
New York, New York, United States, 10032 | |
State University of New York Upstate Medical Center | |
Syracuse, New York, United States, 13210 | |
United States, Ohio | |
Nationwide Children's Hospital | |
Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43205 | |
United States, Oregon | |
Doernbecher Children's Hospital | |
Portland, Oregon, United States, 97239 | |
United States, Tennessee | |
Vanderbilt University | |
Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37212 | |
United States, Texas | |
Children's Medical Center of Dallas | |
Dallas, Texas, United States, 75235 | |
United States, Utah | |
University of Utah Health Sciences Center | |
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84132 |
Principal Investigator: | Stephen J Kolb, MD PhD | Ohio State University |
Responsible Party: | Stephen J. Kolb, Prinicipal Investigator of NeuroNEXT, Ohio State University |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01736553 |
Other Study ID Numbers: |
NN101 U01NS079163 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract ) |
First Posted: | November 29, 2012 Key Record Dates |
Results First Posted: | May 4, 2018 |
Last Update Posted: | May 4, 2018 |
Last Verified: | April 2018 |
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Biomarkers Healthy controls Infants |
Muscular Atrophy Muscular Atrophy, Spinal Atrophy Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Neuromuscular Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations |
Nervous System Diseases Spinal Cord Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Motor Neuron Disease Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases |