Chronic Pain in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Switzerland: A Query to the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Registry

Background and Objectives: Chronic pain is a common symptom in various types of neuromuscular disorders. However, for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the literature regarding chronic pain is scarce. Thus, this study assessed the prevalence of chronic pain in children, adolescents, and adults with SMA and investigated the influence of clinical characteristics on chronic pain.

Materials and Methods: This study used data from 141 patients, which were collected by the Swiss Registry for Neuromuscular Disorders. Extracted data included information on pain (present yes/no, pain location, and pain medication) and clinical characteristics, such as SMA type, motor function, wheelchair use, scoliosis, and contractures.

Results: The analyses revealed that the highest prevalence of chronic pain was observed in adolescents with 62%, followed by adults with 48%, children (6-12 years) with 39%, and children < 6 years with 10%. The legs, back, and hips were most frequently reported as pain locations. Sex (females), age (adolescents), and the presence of contractures and scoliosis (with surgery) were factors that were associated with chronic pain.

Conclusions: These findings contribute to a better understanding of pain in SMA, shedding light on its prevalence and characteristics in different age groups, which underscores the importance of assessing and managing pain in patients with SMA.