Successful pregnancies in the presence of spinal muscular atrophy: two case reports

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994 Feb;75(2):229-31.

Abstract

We report two cases of successful pregnancy in women with chronic, infantile onset, or type II spinal muscular atrophy, both of whom delivered healthy, unaffected babies. The patients required concurrent management by a physiatrist, pulmonologist, and perinatologist throughout the pregnancy. Complications included recurrent urinary tract infections, dyspnea and worsening of pulmonary function, wheelchair seating and positioning problems, and musculoskeletal and low back pain. These problems resolved postpartum. One woman had vaginal delivery, the other had caesarean section, both of which were well-tolerated. Because of severe musculoskeletal deformity, pelvic assessment is necessary to determine the mode of delivery. The uterus has normal contractility and effective labor patterns can be established. Spinal/epidural anesthesia may be contraindicated because of spine deformity. The pregnancies had no deleterious effect on the progression of the disease in our patients, both of whom reported a positive experience with great personal fulfillment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood*