As part of the continuing celebration of the 95th anniversary of S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University and the 90th anniversary of Professor S.K. Kaishybayev’s legacy, the Department of Neurology at KazNMU hosted an educational seminar focused on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in adolescents and adults. The event took place on June 12–13 and was held within the framework of a cascade training initiative aimed at improving practical healthcare, in alignment with the Roadmap for Enhancing Neurological Care for the Adult Population of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan (No. 03324, dated January 23, 2025).
The seminar was organized with the support of the “Association of Neurologists” of Kazakhstan and the Institute of Continuing Professional Education at KazNMU.
Understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) comprise a group of inherited neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the anterior horns of the spinal cord and brainstem motor nuclei, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. While SMA typically presents in infancy or childhood, there are adult-onset forms that emerge between the ages of 30 and 60 and progress slowly, primarily affecting proximal muscle groups. Diagnosis is confirmed through genetic testing. Notably, despite the physical decline, patients with SMA retain normal intellectual function.
Seminar Highlights
The seminar was led by Dr. S.T. Turuspekova, Head of the Department of Neurology at KazNMU, together with Prof. G.A. Mukhambetova, Assoc. Prof. R.B. Nurzhanova, Dr. N.A. Zharkynbekova (Head of the Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, Neurorehabilitation and Neurosurgery, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy), and Dr. B.D. Myrzalieva (Senior Lecturer, Department of Neurology, Kazakh-Russian Medical University).
Key topics discussed during the seminar included:
- Epidemiology and diagnostic approaches to SMA
- Common misdiagnoses masking SMA cases
- Advances in pathogenetic therapy
- Recent data on treatment response evaluation
- Intrathecal drug administration and its therapeutic advantages
- The importance of continuity in care and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment
The program also featured detailed case studies, video and photo materials from the personal archives of the speakers, and hands-on training in the functional assessment of SMA patients. Participants practiced using standardized tools such as RULM, HFMSE, and the 6MWT. A live demonstration was conducted with a real patient who had given prior consent to participate in the training.
Participant Feedback
A total of 25 neurologists from various regions across Kazakhstan—including Kokshetau, Astana, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Shymkent, Zhetysu, Aktobe, Taraz, Semey, Shu, Petropavlovsk, and Almaty—attended the seminar. The attendees praised the high level of professionalism and expertise of the speakers and emphasized the importance of such educational events in raising awareness and enhancing care standards for patients with SMA across the country.