How do orphan disease patients live during the pandemic of Omicron variant? A nationwide survey of spinal muscular atrophy patients in China

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the challenges of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) during the Omicron variant COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China from January 02, 2023, to January 12, 2023, using a questionnaire that covered three aspects: (1) Demographic information; (2) SMA-related information; and (3) COVID-19-related information. We recruited patients with SMA from 33 provinces. The prevalence, course, and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 were calculated. The relationships between independent and outcome variables were investigated.

Results: In total, 677 patients (male: 349; female: 328) were included in this study (average age = 11.40 years); 534 (78.88%) suffered from COVID-19. The most common symptoms were fever (95.51%), cough (57.87%), and sputum (49.44%). Of the infected patients, 91.57% recovered with at-home care, and 8.43% were hospitalized; 1.31% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). A positive correlation was observed between the SMA severity and hospitalization rate. The ICU stay rate in patients with SMA type I was significantly higher than that in other SMA types.

Conclusion: This is the first large sample survey to timely reveal the living situation of patients with SMA during the COVID-19 pandemic's Omicron variant. Patients with SMA type I should be paid more attention in terms of hospitalization and ICU stay.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Orphan disease; SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant; Spinal muscular atrophy; Vaccination.