International Clinical Experience Exchange Program on Spinal Muscular Atrophy Held at Gemelli Hospital in Rome
On September 3–4, 2026, an international clinical experience exchange program on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Rome SMA Peer-to-Peer Exchange 2026, was held at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive inherited disorder that represents a significant medical and social challenge. As the disease progresses, patients develop muscle weakness and motor impairments, which may lead to the loss of independent walking and a reduced level of functional independence.
The modern approach to the management of patients with SMA requires early diagnosis, timely initiation of therapy, comprehensive multidisciplinary care, and regular monitoring of the patient’s condition. In this context, the exchange of clinical experience and the implementation of up-to-date approaches into clinical practice are of particular importance for healthcare professionals.
The aim of the international program was to enhance the professional competencies of healthcare specialists in the diagnosis and comprehensive management of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as well as to facilitate the exchange of experience in the application of modern approaches to treatment and long-term disease monitoring.
The program was held at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, a major multidisciplinary medical center in Rome with a capacity of 1,575 beds. The hospital is one of the largest university hospitals in Italy and Europe and serves as a clinical teaching base for the Faculty of Medicine of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
The hospital is also home to the specialized NEMO Center (NEuroMuscular Omnicentre), which provides diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care for patients with neuromuscular disorders. One of the center’s key areas of expertise is the management of patients with spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and various forms of muscular dystrophy.
The exchange program was led by Prof. Eugenio Mercuri, with the participation of leading specialists in neuromuscular diseases, including Prof. Marika Pane, Dr. Danilo Tiziano, Dr. Federica Trucco, Dr. Roberta Onesimo, Dr. Beatrice Berti, Lavinia Fanelli, Dr. Luca Labianca, Dr. Marco Piastra, and other experts.
The international program brought together specialists from several countries. Kazakhstan was represented by Prof. L.E. Yeszhanova, Head of the Department of Neurology at the Medical University of Astana, and Prof. G.A. Mukhambetova, Professor at the Department of Neurological Diseases at Kazakh National Medical University. They participated in professional discussions, clinical case reviews, and the exchange of practical experience with international colleagues.
The program addressed key aspects of the modern multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with SMA, including the organization of multidisciplinary teams, the distribution of roles and responsibilities among healthcare professionals, and principles of effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
Particular attention was given to newborn screening for SMA as a critical tool for early disease detection and timely initiation of treatment. Participants also discussed contemporary approaches to the assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, swallowing and respiratory function, the prevention and management of orthopedic complications, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as well as maintaining patients’ social participation and quality of life.
The participation of Kazakhstani specialists in the international program provided an important opportunity to strengthen professional collaboration, exchange practical knowledge, and gain insight into international experience in the comprehensive management of patients with SMA. The knowledge and experience gained through the program may contribute to the further development of modern approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care of patients with SMA in Kazakhstan.
