Malnutrition in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I: Case Report of a Novel Nutritional Intervention With Improved Growth and Function While Receiving Parallel Gene Splicing Therapies.

ABSTRACT

Children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) frequently experience feeding intolerance and diminished growth. Although splicing modulators to prevent symptoms are available worldwide, adequate nutrition to support growth, development, and improved quality of life remains essential. We present a case study of a one-year-old malnourished male with SMA type I who achieved improved growth and feeding tolerance with a human milk (HM)-derived nutrition intervention. Despite feeding with appropriately balanced semielemental formula, he remained severely malnourished after two months of hospitalization. Feeds were partially replaced with HM-based diet plus a HM-based fat modular. Feeding tolerance, fecal calprotectin levels, and z scores for weight and length improved while receiving the HM-based intervention. We hypothesize that the HM-based feeding reduced intestinal inflammation by diminishing pathogenic elements of his microbiome. Owing to their aberrant fatty acid metabolism, patients with SMA are uniquely positioned to benefit from HM-based nutrient acquisition even while receiving splicing modulators to stabilize the disease process.