Oral salbutamol has shown clinical benefits in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, the authors studied its effect on the respiratory muscle strength in children with different types of SMA. Lung and respiratory muscle functions were assessed in children receiving daily oral salbutamol for at least one year. The respiratory data of age-matched SMA II historical control subjects were compared with data of SMA II patients receiving salbutamol. Seven children (6.4 ± 2.0 years old, range four to ten; one SMA I, five SMA II, and one SMA III) treated with salbutamol (duration 23 ± 8 months) were assessed. Maximal static inspiratory pressure, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, and slow vital capacity were significantly better in the salbutamol-treated SMA II group compared with control subjects (P < 0.05). Long-term oral salbutamol showed benefits in respiratory function in children with SMA and appeared to increase the strength of the inspiratory muscles in a small cohort of SMA II patients.
