Prevalence Of Scoliosis Research Articles

The societal burden associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a cross-sectional burden-of-disease study

BackgroundIn the general population the prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is 2–3%. There is growing awareness of how AIS affects the quality of life of patients. However, the extent of the societal burden AIS poses remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the societal burden of AIS.MethodsA cross-sectional burden of disease study was conducted using a bottom-up, prevalence-based approach. Patients with AIS or guardians of a child diagnosed with AIS residing in the Netherlands were eligible for inclusion. The survey was distributed between June - December 2022 and was completed once by each participant. Costs were assessed using the institute for Medical Technology Assessment - Medical Consumption and Productivity Cost Questionnaires. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the EuroQol 5D-5L/EuroQol 5D Youth and the Scoliosis Research Society-22 revised questionnaires. Costs and HRQoL were identified, measured, and valued.ResultsParticipants (n = 229) were predominantly female (92%), on average 35 years old, and were employed (65%). The societal cost for a patient with AIS in the Netherlands was €12,275 per year. The largest costs were estimated for the healthcare and productivity losses. The mean utility score for adults was 0.7 (SD 0.20). Severe pain was experienced by 10% of the adult participants and 44% reported to experience moderate pain/discomfort. Statistically significant differences between different age groups were present for the sector costs and HRQoL.ConclusionsAIS negatively impacts societal costs and the HRQoL. Reducing the burden that is posed on the productivity sector by AIS and further improving the HRQoL for AIS patients is needed.

Myopia and systemic manifestation of tissue hyperlaxity: A population-based cross-sectional study.

Whether non-syndromic connective tissue hyperlaxity is associated with myopia is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between systemic signs of tissue hyperlaxity and myopia among adolescents. Included were adolescents assessed before mandatory military service at the age of 16-18 years between 2011 and 2022. Diagnoses of hernias, pes planus, genu varus, genu valgum, and scoliosis, as well as joint injuries were used as surrogate markers for tissue hyperlaxity. The prevalence of these events among adolescents with myopia was evaluated and compared to the non-myopic population. Included were 920 806 adolescents. The mean age was 17.4 ± 1.4 years and 58.6% were men. Myopia was diagnosed in 290 759 adolescents (31.6%) and high myopia in 24 069 adolescents (2.6%). The prevalence of hernias was higher among adolescents with myopia, (2.76%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.69%-2.82% vs. 2.60%, 95% CI: 2.57%-2.65%), as were pes planus (14.92%, 95% CI: 14.79-15.05 vs. 13.51%, 95% CI: 13.42-13.59) and scoliosis (9.14%, 95% CI: 9.03-9.24 vs. 7.69%, 95%CI: 7.62-7.76). The prevalence of joint injuries was clinically similar between groups (less than 0.1% difference for ankle, shoulder, and knee injuries), as were genu varum and genu valgum (0.66%, 95%CI: 0.64%-0.69% vs. 0.68%, 95% CI: 0.66-0.70, respectively). Adjusted for possible confounders results remained consistent. Among a large sample of Israeli adolescents, those with myopia had a higher prevalence of hernias, pes planus, and scoliosis. These results could suggest a propensity for systemic conditions related to tissue laxity among myopic adolescents.

National and regional trends in the prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in South Korean military draftees

IntroductionRecent epidemiological and aetiological data on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) among military draftees are scarce in nationwide and population-based databases. This retrospective, nationwide and population-based study aims to assess national...

The influence of genotype makeup on the effectiveness of growth hormone therapy in children with Prader-Willi syndrome

BackgroundPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare multisystemic hereditary illness. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy is widely recognized as the primary treatment for PWS. This study aimed to examine how different PWS genotypes influence the outcome of rhGH treatment in children with PWS.MethodsA review was conducted on 146 Chinese children with PWS, genetically classified and monitored from 2017 to 2022. Unaltered and modified generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed to examine the long-term patterns in primary outcomes (growth metrics) and secondary outcomes (glucose metabolism metrics and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)) during rhGH therapy. The study also evaluated the prevalence of hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and scoliosis before and after rhGH treatment.ResultsChildren with PWS experienced an increase in height/length standard deviation scores (SDS) following rhGH administration. The impact of rhGH therapy on growth measurements was similar in both the deletion and maternal uniparental diploidy (mUPD) cohorts. Nevertheless, the deletion group was more prone to insulin resistance (IR) compared to the mUPD group. No significant variations in growth metrics were noted between the two groups (P > 0.05). At year 2.25, the mUPD group showed a reduction in fasting insulin (FINS) levels of 2.14 uIU/ml (95% CI, -4.26, -0.02; P = 0.048) and a decrease in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of 0.85 (95% CI, -1.52, -0.17; P = 0.014) compared to the deletion group. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the IGF standard deviation scores (SDS) by 2.84 (95% CI, -4.84, -0.84; P = 0.005) in the mUPD group during the second year. The frequency of hip dysplasia was higher in the mUPD group compared to the deletion group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsrhGH treatment effectively increased height/length SDS in children with PWS, with similar effects observed in both deletion and mUPD genotypes. Children with mUPD genetype receiving rhGH treatment may experience enhanced therapeutic effects in managing PWS.

Dandy-Walker malformations with other complex congenital deformities associated with scoliosis: a case series.

Dandy-Walker malformations (DWM) is a rare condition with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 30 000 cases. Although DWM often complicates scoliosis, its prevalence and the time of onset are unknown because only a few reports have described the association between scoliosis and DWM. This case series describes spinal deformity associated with DWM. The clinical records and spinal radiographs of 23 consecutive patients with DWM at a single centre were reviewed. DWM was clinically diagnosed if patients met the following three conditions: (1) posterior fossa enlargement, (2) cerebellar hypoplasia and (3) cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle on MRI. Radiological assessment records for the presence, prevalence and time of onset of DWM were studied. Twelve of 23 patients (52%) demonstrated a scoliotic deformity, with 3 (13%) having severe deformities exceeding 60°. The average age at diagnosis was 3.6 ± 2.9 years (range: 0.7-9.7) and at radiographic examination during the final follow-up was 8.7 years (range 1.0-22.0). Only two patients were skeletally mature. The coronal angular deformity at the final follow-up was 34.2 ± 32.3° (range: 10.1-125.1°). One patient with moderate deformity >25° died before bracing. In addition, of three patients with severe deformities, only one had undergone posterior spinal fusion. The prevalence of scoliosis in DWM was 52%, and all patients who developed scoliosis reported early-onset scoliosis under 10 years of age. Early diagnosis and screening of spine deformity are required for patients with DWM to prevent disease progression. Evidence level: 4.

Assessment of Refractive Errors, Dental Caries, and Scoliosis in School Children Aged 6-14 Years: A Study in Durrës Schools

This study aims to assess the prevalence of refractive errors, dental caries, and scoliosis in children aged 6-14 years across several primary and secondary schools in the city of Durrës. The sample includes 370 students from "Vincenc Prendushi", "Nënë Tereza", "Vasil Ziu", "Abedin Dino", and "Bajram Curri" schools. Each school was selected randomly. From each school we have selected different classes and students for further evaluation. Each student underwent a clinical examination to evaluate vision, oral health, and postural status. Refractive errors were assessed using Snellen chart table placed in 6 meters. Dental caries was evaluated through clinical inspection of the teeth, using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth). Scoliosis was diagnosed through physical examination and the Adams forward bend test, done in physiotherapy lab of Aleksander Moisiu University. The results provide insight into the risk factors and the need for early interventions to improve the overall health of children in this age group. Out of the 370 students, 28% (104 students) were found to have refractive errors, with myopia being the most common condition, affecting 17% (63 students), followed by hyperopia in 9% (33 students), and astigmatism in 2% (8 students). A total of 42% (155 students) exhibited signs of dental caries, with an average DMFT score of 2.8, indicating a moderate level of oral health concerns. Additionally, 12% (45 students) were diagnosed with scoliosis, with mild curvature observed in 8% (30 students) and moderate to severe curvature in 4% (15 students). These findings suggest a significant need for vision correction, oral health education, and orthopedic monitoring in the student population. Early detection and preventive measures in schools are crucial to addressing these health issues effectively and ensuring the well-being of children during their developmental years.

Poorer clinical outcomes after THA in patients with a spinal scoliotic deformity: a case-control study of 268 patients assessed with PROMS

IntroductionSpinal deformities can lead to specific complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA), such as functional leg length discrepancy due to a fixed pelvic obliquity, as well as an increased risk of prosthetic instability due to a lack of adaptive pelvic mobility, but these issues were not investigated in large comparative series. Therefore a retrospective case-control study was done aiming: 1) to analyze the impact of a preoperative scoliotic deformity on the functional outcomes of patients who underwent THA with a minimum 1-year follow-up, 2) to measure the prevalence of scoliosis in both the case and control groups 3) to screen other factors that may be correlated with poorer clinical outcomes in patients who underwent THA, including age, gender, Body Mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, primary THA etiology and postoperative complication occurrence. HypothesisThe presence of scoliosis would have a negative impact on THA outcomes as assessed by PROMs. Materials and methodsA case-control study was conducted using prospectively collected data including 268 patients who underwent THA between January 2009 and December 2021 through a direct anterior approach by the same senior surgeon. Cases were identified based on a 1-year follow-up modified Harris Hip score (mHHS) lower than 81 while controls were defined as patients with an excellent 1-year follow-up mHHS score (equal to or higher than 81). Three controls were randomly matched with each case based on the surgery period. To assess the impact of a concurrent scoliosis on clinical outcomes, a mathematical univariate and multivariate logistic model was used, including other confounding factors (age, gender, ASA score, BMI, Complication occurrence, etiology), to calculate the adjusted odds-ratio. ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, scoliosis was found to be a significant risk factor, with a three-fold higher adjusted odds-ratio of lower mHHS score (adjOR = 3.1; 95 CI:1.4–7, [p < 0.01]). The mean mHHS score was significantly lower in the scoliosis group compared to the non-scoliosis group (77 vs. 84 [p = 0.01]) as well as the mean Oxford Hip Score (36 vs. 43 [p < 0.001]). Among the other assessed risk factors, only the occurence of a postoperative complication was associated with an increased odds ratio of poorer mHHS scores (adjOR = 7.1; 95 CI: 2.78–18.24, [p < 0.001]). The prevalence of scoliosis in our practice was 19%. Discussion: Given the prevalence of 19% found in our study, we recommend screening for scoliosis in all patients scheduled for THA. Our results indicate that patients who had scoliosis experienced lower PROMs scores compared to those who had not. Surgeons should consider delivering this information to patients who have scoliosis undergoing THA to mitigate patient dissatisfaction. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective case-control study.

Analyses of Osteogenesis Imperfecta in South Korea Using the Nationwide Health Insurance Service Claim Data: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is the most common inherited form of bone fragility and includes a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders that most commonly result from defects associated with type I collagen. Although genetic analyses have been developed, nationwide research on the incidence and associated fractures in OI is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of OI prevalence, incidence, fracture rate, etc. in South Korea using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) claims data. We found 1596 patients newly diagnosed with OI between March 2002 and February 2020. We evaluated the incidence, prevalence, and history of fractures, fracture site, prescription of anti-osteoporosis drugs, etc. To compare medical costs, fracture rates, and scoliosis rates, we created a control group comprising patients without OI using 1:1 propensity score matching. The prevalence of OI increased slightly each year, with an annual incidence of 20.20 per 100,000 live births. Mean fracture frequency in OI patients was 17 (2-32) times per patient and the most frequent fracture site was the lower leg. A total of 21.4% patients were prescribed anti-osteoporosis drugs, and the most popular drug was pamidronate. After 1:1 propensity score matching, in terms of scoliosis, OI patients had a 3.91 times higher prevalence of scoliosis than in healthy patients which was statistically significant. The sum of medical care expenses for patients with OI was 3.5 times higher than that for patients without OI. We identified nationwide trends in OI occurrence, fractures, and medication use. This study also highlighted the real-world data of scoliosis and medical costs compared to the control group.

Outcomes of growth hormone treatment in children with Prader-Willi syndrome over a 30-year period: a single tertiary center experience.

Clinical benefits of growth hormone (GH) in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are proven and scoliosis is a known association of both PWS and GH therapy. The aims of this study were to assess GH prescribing practices and growth outcomes over time, the prevalence and predictors of scoliosis in GH-treated PWS children, and the near-final height of GH-treated PWS patients. This is a retrospective, descriptive study evaluating data from all clinic visits of patients aged 0-18 years with PWS, seen through the Children's Hospital at Westmead between March 1992 and May 2022 (n=75). A total of 64 patients were treated with GH (visits = 1,414). In the recent decade, the diagnosis of PWS and GH commencement were made significantly earlier in life. The prevalence of scoliosis was 41 %, in which age was the only significant predictor for scoliosis (odds ratio 1.19: 95 % CI [1.08-1.31; p=0.001]) adjusted for other predictors. In patients with data available at the age 16 years (23/28 treated with GH), those who were GH treated had significantly higher height SDS vs. nontreated group (SDS-0.67 vs.-2.58; p=0.0001) and lower BMI SDS (1.18 vs. 2.37; p<0.001). Significant improvements in growth and body composition were seen in the GH-treated group vs. non-treated group of children with PWS. There were no significant modifiable clinical predictors of scoliosis in children with PWS, but our findings confirm the high prevalence of scoliosis in GH-treated children with PWS reinforcing the need for close surveillance.

Early-onset scoliosis in children aged 4-7 years in Nanjing, China: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the potential variance in the prevalence of early-onset scoliosis among children aged 4-7 years and analyze the influencing factors. The goal was to establish a crucial reference point for monitoring and evaluating spinal curvature development in preschoolers, ultimately to reduce the occurrence of adverse health outcomes. Children aged 4-7 years within the main urban area of Nanjing were selected using a stratified random sampling method. A team of four senior therapists conducted screenings for spinal curvature among children using visual inspection, the Adams forward bending test, and an electronic scoliometer to measure the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and identify children displaying signs of scoliosis. Children with suspected scoliosis in the initial screening underwent X-ray Cobb angle assessment for confirmation. The prevalence of early-onset scoliosis was then determined from the screening results. R version 4.2.0 software was used to analyze the factors associated with scoliosis among children using partial least squares structural equation modeling. A total of 2281 children were included in this study, consisting of 1211 boys and 1070 girls, with a mean age of 5.44 ± 0.81 years (ranging from 4 to 7 years). Among them, 7.58% exhibited positive signs of scoliosis, 5.87% had early-onset scoliosis, and the positive predictive value was 77.5%. Significant differences in ATR were observed among children in different age groups (Kruskal-Wallis = 15, p = 0.0104) and by sex (t = 3.17, p = 0.00153). Significant variations in ATR were noted in children with scoliosis (t = -22.7, p < 0.001), with a cutoff at ATR = 4.5°, and auxiliary values of 0.947 and 0.990. Children diagnosed with early-onset scoliosis generally exhibited lower body mass index values, with a statistically significant difference (t = 2.99, p = 0.003). Using visual inspection, the Adams test, and an electronic scoliometer to measure the ATR, the present triad method is more sensitive for early scoliosis screening in children with abnormal posture aged 4-7 years. A full spine X-ray is advised in children with an ATR over 4.5° and poor posture.

THE EFFECT OF BODY MASS INDEX ON SCOLIOSIS IN CHILDREN AGE 4-6 YEARS IN THE KARTASURA REGION

Background: Scoliosis is an S or C-shaped spinal deformity that can occur in early childhood. The prevalence of scoliosis in the world reaches 4.5%. The occurrence of scoliosis can be caused by various risk factors, one of which is body mass index. Body mass index is a measurement to identify nutritional status by measuring body weight and height. Objective: To obtain sources of information regarding the influence of body mass index on scoliosis in children aged 4-6 years. Method: This research uses a quantitative observational analytical research design with a causal relationship research approach. The sample population was 583 children. The sampling technique used probability sampling, namely proportional random sampling and a research sample of 86 children was obtained based on inclusion, exclusion and dropout criteria. Body mass index measurement identifies criteria based on age and gender with a Z-score. Scoliosis measurement using a scoliometer. Results: The binary logistic regression test stated that there was a significant influence between body mass index on scoliosis with a p-value of 0.047 (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a significant influence of body mass index on scoliosis in children aged 4-6 years with a role of 8.3% in increasing the scoliosis curve.

Evaluation of the prevalence of adolescent scoliosis and its associated factors in Gansu Province, China: a cross-sectional study.

Gansu Province is situated in the northwest region of China, characterized by diverse and complex topography and a rich diversity of ethnic groups. This study aims to explore the prevalence and risk factors of adolescent suspected scoliosis in Gansu Province through a cross-sectional population study. From April 2022 to July 2022, a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Baiyin City, Jinchang City, Lanzhou City, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province. The screening covered 3,118 middle and high school students across 24 institutions, including middle and high schools. Diagnosis of suspected scoliosis was established through visual inspection, the Adams forward bend test, and measurement of trunk rotation angle. Employing a custom-designed questionnaire, demographic data were collected, and the prevalence of suspected scoliosis was calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to assess factors associated with suspected scoliosis. A total of 3,044 participants were ultimately included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of suspected scoliosis was 5.68% in Gansu Province. The peak prevalence for boy is at 14 years (6.70%), while for girl, it is at 15 years (8.75%). Lanzhou City exhibits the highest prevalence rates (boy, 9.82%; girl, 10.16). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis presented that BMI (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.96), altitude of habitation (1,600 m-2000 m) (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73), altitude of habitation (2000 m-3321 m) (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.83), family medical history (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02-2.31), and shoulders of unequal height (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.09-2.03) were significantly correlated with suspected scoliosis. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86-0.95), altitude of habitation (1,600 m-2000 m) (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23-0.54), altitude of habitation (2000 m-3321 m) (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24-0.60), family medical history (OR = 1.66, 95% CI:1.08-2.49), and shoulders of unequal height (OR = 1.45, 95% CI:1.06-1.99) were independently associated with suspected scoliosis. Low BMI, residence at an altitude of 1,600 m-3321 m, family medical history, and shoulders of unequal height were independently associated with an increased prevalence of suspected scoliosis. It is recommended to promptly screen high-risk adolescents for suspected scoliosis, provide effective preventive and intervention measures.

Prevalence of scoliosis in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The understanding of the prevalence and early predictive factors of scoliosis in children and adolescents is limited, which poses challenges to developing preventative strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the prevalence and predictors of scoliosis among children and adolescents. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science through October 2023. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute scale or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine different types of scoliosis and specific demographic groups. From 32 studies encompassing 55,635,351 children and adolescents, we identified 284,114 cases of scoliosis, resulting in a prevalence rate of 3.1% (95% CI: 1.5%-5.2%). This rate varied by gender, degrees of scoliosis severity, and between idiopathic vs. congenital forms. Notable predictors included gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), race, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Scoliosis is a significant condition affecting a minority of children and adolescents, particularly adolescent girls and individuals who are overweight. It is recommended that guardians and schools enhance educational efforts towards its prevention. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, Identifier CRD42023476498.

Distribution of scoliosis in 2.22 million adolescents in mainland China: A population-wide analysis.

The characteristics of scoliosis afflicting school children and adolescents in mainland China are still unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to estimate scoliosis's prevalence and characterise its distribution in China. We screened PubMed, Scopus, WanFang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, National Science and Technology Library, and WeiPu databases for mainland China articles published between 1 January 1980 and 31 October 2022. Among them, we identified population-wide scoliosis studies in school children and adolescents. The main outcomes were the positive rate of primary screening and the prevalence of final screening. Primary screening mainly included general examination with/without the forward bending test in school. The final screening entailed clinical diagnosis by Röntgen radiation in a hospital (based on primary screening). A meta-analysis of scoliosis distribution by gender was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Further, we analysed the distributions of scoliosis by age, region, aetiological type, and severity of curvature, in addition to the correlation between its prevalence and altitude or latitude. 77 studies with 2 224 320 participants were included. The positive rate through primary screening was 3.97%, whereas the prevalence of scoliosis at final screening was 1.20%. Analysing the data revealed a higher prevalence of scoliosis in girls (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.38-1.81). The age-wise peak rate of scoliosis was 15-16 years (1.07%) in boys and 13-14 years (1.42%) in girls. The mean prevalence of scoliosis was 1.07% in the western region, 1.54% in the central, and 1.35% in the eastern. Scoliosis prevalence was not correlated with either altitude or latitude. The prevalence of idiopathic and congenital scoliosis was 1.18 and 0.03%. Among all subjects with scoliosis, 79.10 and 16.80% had mild and medium disease severity. According to this comprehensive study using data sets of scoliosis in adolescents across mainland China, the mean prevalence of scoliosis is 1.20%, yet 1.57 times higher in girls than boys, and is most prevalent in the middle region. Overall, scoliosis in adolescents could pose a burden to public health in mainland China. PROSPERO CRD42021231987.

The effectiveness of core stabilization and schroth exercise on pain reduction in adolescents with scoliosis

Background: Disorders of the spine, such as scoliosis, kyposis, and lordosis, are often complained about by many people. Currently, disorders of the spine are not only limited to adults and the elderly. They can also affect children and adolescents, where the prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the world ranges from 0.47% to 5.2%. The spine has a crucial role in human movement activities, playing a role as a support and enforcer of the body. In this regard, appropriate intervention for people with scoliosis is very important to be carried out. Objective: To find out how effective core stabilization and schroth exercise are at reducing pain in scoliosis in adolescents aged 13-15 years. Research Method: The type of research used is quasi-experimental research with a pre-test and post test two-group design. Results: After 4 weeks of intervention with a frequency of two times a week, there was a significant reduction in scoliosis pain in adolescents. Both models of exercise core stabilization and schroth exercise – are equally effective. Suggestion: The researcher is expected to expand this research by increasing the number of samples and extending the duration of the study.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Scoliosis in the Era of Background Therapies-A Review of the Literature.

Spinal deformities are considered an important complication of neuromuscular disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA patients typically develop progressive early-onset scoliosis, which is associated with increased functional decline, discomfort, and respiratory dysfunction. Over the second decade of the twenty-first century, a lot has changed in terms of the therapeutic options available to people with SMA. Specifically, the use of pharmaceutical agents such as nusinersen (Spinraza), onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma), and risdiplam (Evrysdi) has dramatically changed the landscape for SMA patients. These medications significantly alter motor- and respiratory functioning, as well as the natural progression of spinal deformities. When evaluating these agents and their impact on the development of scoliosis and motor functioning, it is important to consider the timing of treatment initiation. In patients treated after they had already developed symptoms, a shift of phenotype to a less severe subtype has been observed. This results in a delay in the onset of scoliosis for the less severe SMA types and an increase in early-onset scoliosis for the severe types in patients who would typically not live to develop scoliosis. Patients who receive treatment before they develop symptoms achieve almost normal motor functioning and will likely have a significant decrease in scoliosis prevalence or at least delay its onset.

Is refractive error a factor affecting scoliosis?

Scoliosis is one of the most common surgical disorders of the pediatric spine. Refractive errors are commonly associated with vision impairment worldwide. However, it is currently unclear whether refractive error correlates directly with the development of scoliosis. A cross-sectional study was performed in 2023, and a stratified cluster sampling technique was employed among school-aged students in Nantong City, China. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate specific correlations between scoliosis and related parameters; various types of refractive errors were also included in the study. The prevalence of scoliosis among school-aged students was 2.2% in Nantong city. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia were not correlated with the development of scoliosis (all, p≥0.05). Lower body mass index (BMI) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88-0.95; p<0.001], living in rural areas (aOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.05-1.86; p = 0.020), and older age (aOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.25-1.38; p<0.001) had significantly higher risks of scoliosis. Refractive errors did not correlate with the development of scoliosis. However, BMI, living in rural areas and older age did correlate with the development of scoliosis.

Prevalence and plasma exosome-derive microRNA diagnostic biomarker screening of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Yunnan Province, China.

Idiopathic scoliosis significantly affects the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, with varying prevalence rates in different regions. The occurrence of idiopathic scoliosis is associated with genetic regulation and biochemical factors, but the changes in exosome-derived miRNA profiles among idiopathic scoliosis patients remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in Yunnan Province, China, and identify key exosome-derived miRNAs in idiopathic scoliosis through a cohort study. From January 2018 to December 2020, a cross-sectional study on idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents was conducted in Yunnan Province. A total of 84,460 students from 13 cities and counties in Yunnan Province participated in a scoliosis screening program, with ages ranging from 7 to 19 years. After confirmation through screening and imaging results, patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis and normal control individuals were selected using propensity matching. Subsequently, plasma exosome-derived miRNA sequencing and RT-qPCR validation were performed separately. Based on the validation results, diagnostic performance analysis and target gene prediction were conducted for differential plasma exosome-derived miRNAs. The overall prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents in Yunnan Province was 1.10%, with a prevalence of 0.87% in males and 1.32% in females. The peak prevalence was observed at age 13. Among patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, approximately 12.8% had severe cases, and there were more cases of double curvature than of single curvature, with thoracolumbar curvature being the most common in the single-curvature group. Sequencing of plasma exosome-derived miRNAs associated with idiopathic scoliosis revealed 56 upregulated and 153 downregulated miRNAs. Further validation analysis confirmed that hsa-miR-27a-5p, hsa-miR-539-5p, and hsa-miR-1246 have potential diagnostic value. We gained insights into the epidemiological characteristics of idiopathic scoliosis in Yunnan Province and conducted further analysis of plasma exosome-derived miRNA changes in patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis. This study has provided new insights for the prevention and diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis, paving the way for exploring clinical biomarkers and molecular regulatory mechanisms. However, further validation and elucidation of the detailed biological mechanisms underlying these findings will be required in the future.

Variations in the prevalence of scoliosis by age, sex, geographic region, and subtype among Chinese children: A systematic review and modelling study

Variations in the prevalence of scoliosis by age, sex, geographic region, and subtype among Chinese children: A systematic review and modelling study

The Prevalence of Scoliosis after Fontan Circulation Surgery Followed-Up to Adolescence.

The advancement of surgical techniques and perioperative management for congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased life expectancy. The surgical creation of the Fontan circulation maintains pulmonary blood flow without relying on an effective pump from the abnormal heart, relying on peripheral vascular resistance to maintain effective flow through the lungs. Unfortunately, this delicate mechanism is compromised when scoliosis restricts ventilation, leading to Fontan failure and a poor prognosis for life. This report describes the prevalence of scoliosis with Fontan completion surgery and the role of screening and surgical correction. Ninety-six consecutive Japanese patients undergoing Fontan completion surgery for CHD between 2000 and 2017 were identified in our institutional records. The inclusion criterion was at least 7 years of follow-up after Fontan completion surgery, while the exclusion criteria were congenital, syndromic, and neuromuscular scoliosis. Radiographic and clinical parameters, including cardio-thoracic ratio (CTR) for cardiomegaly and cyanosis saturation, were compared between with and without scoliosis. There were 23 and 40 patients in the scoliosis and no scoliosis groups, respectively. The mean age at the final follow-up was 18.5 and 16.7 years in the scoliosis and no scoliosis groups, respectively (p=0.02). Mean CTR was 43.7% and 39.4% in the scoliosis and no scoliosis groups (p=0.016), and the mean saturation in room air at the final follow-up was 88.8% and 93.2%, respectively (p=0.036). There were no significant differences to clarify the risk factors with multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of scoliosis with Fontan completion surgery was 36.5%. Screening for scoliosis is important for children with Fontan circulation surgery as part of their routine follow-up at least until they reach adolescence.