Association of rs11190870 near LBX1 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in East Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background contextThe rs11190870 single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3'-flanking region of the LBX1 gene has been implicated in the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A thorough appraisal of the evidence supporting this association has not been previously attempted.PurposeTo provide a comprehensive assessment and synthesis of the currently available evidence on the association between rs11190870 and AIS.Study designA systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThis review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Scopus, and HuGE Literature Finder databases were systematically searched through November 2013 to identify relevant studies following a sensitive strategy. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the fixed-effect inverse variance model for allelic (T vs. C) and genotypic comparisons.ResultsMeta-analysis of four studies conducted in East Asian populations (n=3,215 AIS cases and n=15,347 controls) found a highly statistically significant and robust association between rs11190870 and AIS. Comparison of summary ORs indicated a codominant model effect of the T allele. Carriers of the TC and TT genotypes were 69% (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.48–1.94, p<.001) and 162% (OR=2.62, 95% CI: 2.28–3.02, p<.001), respectively, more likely to have AIS compared with carriers of the CC genotype.ConclusionsBased on a comprehensive analysis of the currently available evidence, rs11190870 is likely a susceptibility variant for AIS in East Asians. Further investigation of this association is necessary in other populations.     

Does preoperative narcotic use adversely affect outcomes and complications after spinal deformity surgery? A comparison of nonnarcotic- with narcotic-using groups

Background contextThe role of preoperative (preop) narcotic use and its influence on outcomes after spinal deformity surgery are unknown. It is important to determine which patient factors and comorbidities can affect the success of spinal deformity surgery, a challenging surgery with high rates of complications at baseline.PurposeTo evaluate if preop narcotic use persists after spinal deformity surgery and whether the outcomes are adversely affected by preop narcotic use.Study design/settingRetrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data.Patient sampleTwo hundred fifty-three adult patients (230 females/23 males) undergoing primary spinal deformity surgery were enrolled from 2000 to 2009.Outcome measuresPreoperative and postoperative (postop) narcotic use and changes in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) pain, and SRS total scores.MethodsPreoperative, 2-year postop, and latest follow-up pain medication use were collected along with ODI, SRS pain, and SRS scores. Preoperative insurance status, surgical and hospitalization demographics, and complications were collected. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up (average 47.4 months).ResultsOne hundred sixty-eight nonnarcotic (NoNarc) patients were taking no pain meds or only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories preoperatively. Eighty-five patients were taking mild/moderate/heavy narcotics before surgery. The average age was 48.2 years for the NoNarc group versus 53.6 years for the Narc group (p<.005). There were significantly more patients with degenerative than adult scoliosis in the Narc group (47 vs. 28, p<.001; mild 19 vs. 24, p<.02; moderate 6 vs. 14, p<.0003; heavy 3 vs. 10, p<.0002). Insurance status (private/Medicare/Medicaid) was similar between the groups (p=.39). At latest follow-up, 137/156 (88%) prior NoNarc patients were still not taking narcotics whereas 48/79 (61%) prior narcotic patients were now off narcotics (p<.001). Significant postop improvements were seen in Narc versus NoNarc groups with regard to ODI (26–15 vs. 44–30.3, p<.001), SRS pain (3.36–3.9 vs. 2.3–3.38, p<.001), and overall SRS outcome (3.36–4 vs. 2.78–3.68, p<.001) scores. A comparison of change in outcome scores between the two groups showed a higher improvement in SRS pain scores for the Narc versus NoNarc group (p<.001).ConclusionsIn adults with degenerative scoliosis taking narcotics a significant decrease in pain medication use was noted after surgery. All outcome scores significantly improved postop in both groups. However, the Narc group had significantly greater improvements in SRS pain scores versus the NoNarc group.     

Management decisions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis significantly affect patient radiation exposure

Background contextAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated before the 1990s have a 1% to 2% increased lifetime risk of developing breast and thyroid cancer as a result of ionizing radiation from plain radiographs. Although present plain radiographic techniques have been able to reduce some of the radiation exposure, modern treatment algorithms for scoliosis often include computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative fluoroscopy. The exact magnitude of exposure to ionizing radiation in adolescents during modern scoliosis treatment is therefore unclear.PurposeTo determine the difference in radiation exposures in patients undergoing various forms of treatment for AIS.Study designRetrospective cohort.Patient samplePatients aged 9 to 18 years with a diagnosis of AIS, followed and/or treated with nonoperative or operative management for a minimum of 2 years.Outcome measuresNumber of radiographs and total radiation exposure calculated.MethodsThe charts and radiographs of patients managed for AIS at a single institution between September 2007 and January 2012 were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups: operative group, braced group, and observation group. Patient demographics, Cobb angles, and curve types were recorded. The number of radiographs per year that each patient received and the total radiation dose were recorded. The plain radiographic radiation exposure was then combined with the direct exposure recording from ancillary tests, such as fluoroscopy and CT, and a radiation exposure rate was calculated (mrad/y). A single-factor analysis of variance (α=0.01) with a Tukey honest significant difference post hoc analysis was used to test significance between groups.ResultsTwo hundred sixty-seven patients were evaluated: 86 operative, 80 brace, and 101 observation. All groups had similar demographics and curve type distribution. The mean initial Cobb angle at presentation was significantly different between the groups: operative (57°±11°), brace (24°±7.9°), and observation (18°±9.4°) (p<.01). There was a significant difference among the groups in terms of the mean number of radiographs received per year; operative group, 12.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.8–13.5; p<.001); braced group, 5.7 (95% CI: 5.2–6.2; p<.001), and observed group, 3.5 (95% CI: 3.160–3.864; p<.001). The operative group received 1,400 mrad per year (95% CI: 1,350–1,844; p<.001), braced group received 700 mrad per year (95% CI: 598–716; p<.001), and observed group received 400 mrad per year (95% CI: 363–444; p<.001). Importantly, 78% of radiation in the operative group was attributable to the operative fluoroscopy exposure.ConclusionsSignificant differences exist in the total radiation exposure in scoliosis patients with different treatment regimens, with operative patients receiving approximately 8 to 14 times more radiation than braced patients or those undergoing observation alone, respectively. Operative patients also receive more than twice the radiation per year than braced or observed patients. Almost 78% of the annual radiation exposure for operative patients occurs intraoperatively. Because children are notably more sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation, judicious use of present imaging methods and a search for newer imaging methods with limited ionizing radiation should be undertaken.     

Effect of bracing or surgical treatments on balance control in idiopathic scoliosis: three case studies

Scoliosis is the most frequent spinal deformity among adolescents. In 80 % of cases, it is defined as idiopathic as no individual cause has been identified. However, several factors linked to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) have been identified and are under investigation. One of these factors is neurological dysfunction. Increase in body sway has been observed either during or following sensory manipulation in AIS patients. It is believed that impairment in sensory processing could be related to scoliosis onset. Impairment in sensory processing could induce a body schema distortion. The aim of this case series was to evaluate if conventional orthopaedic treatments could improve balance control thus implying a better body representation. Although, no strong conclusion can be drawn from a case series, results suggest that alteration in body representation should be investigated in future studies.     

Tiltmeter软件测量脊柱侧凸Cobb角度的可行性研究

目的探讨使用智能手机Tiltmeter软件测量(Tiltmeter法)Cobb角的可行性。方法参考国外研究经验,8名研究者对40例青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)术前患者的后前位X线片使用Tiltmeter法和量角器法测量主弯Cobb角。其中的5名研究者在至少1周后进行重复测量。结果使用Tiltmeter法和量角器法测量的绝对平均值相差2.09°±1.296°,测量时间相差约4 min。研究者自身误差95%CI在量角器法时为2.532°~3.032°,使用Tiltmeter法时为0.294°~0.816°。研究者之间的误差的95%CI在使用量角器法时为0.573°~1.727°,使用Tiltmeter法时为0.283°~0.433°。两者的95%CI均在早期文献Cobb角的测量研究范围内。结论Tiltmeter法是一款与手工量角器法测量相媲美的Cobb测量工具,测量时间减少了约1/3。临床中可广泛使用智能手机中倾斜仪感应器来测量Cobb角,并且将测量后的数据储存在角度测量软件中。     

早发性脊柱侧凸生长棒治疗技术的研究进展

早发性脊柱侧凸的矫形治疗是世界性难题,近年来随着生长棒技术的临床应用及发展,为脊柱侧凸的矫形开辟了一条新途径.本文回顾生长棒在治疗早发性脊柱侧凸的发展历程并进行综述.     

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Status in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background

Several reports have suggested low bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We determined bone mineral status in patients with AIS to evaluate the effect of brace treatment on BMD.

Methods

BMD was measured in 46 patients (mean age, 17.8 ± 4.9 years) with AIS (17 with brace and 29 without brace) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and compared the results to an age-matched (mean age, 16.6 ± 3.9 years) control group (n = 54).

Results

The AIS group had significantly lower bone mass at the lumbar spine (Z-score, -1.500 vs. -0.832) and hip (Z-score, -1.221 vs. -0.754) except at the femoral neck. No difference in BMD was found between patients with AIS who used a brace and those who did not.

Conclusions

The results confirmed that BMD was low in AIS patients and it was not affected by brace treatment.     

Sibling concordance for clinical features of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies

Introduction: The correlation of markers of disease severity among brothers with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy has implications for clinical guidance and clinical trials. Methods: Sibling pairs with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy (n = 60) were compared for ages when they reached clinical milestones of disease progression, including ceased ambulation, scoliosis of ≥ 20°, and development of cardiomyopathy. Results: The median age at which younger brothers reached each milestone, compared with their older brothers ranged from 25 months younger for development of cardiomyopathy to 2 months older for ceased ambulation. For each additional month of ambulation by the older brother, the hazard of ceased ambulation by the younger brother decreased by 4%. Conclusions: The ages when siblings reach clinical milestones of disease vary widely between siblings. However, the time to ceased ambulation for older brothers predicts the time to ceased ambulation for their younger brothers. Muscle Nerve 49 : 814–821, 2014     

一种交叉异位融合肾新亚型及其诊治

目的:观察一种交叉异位融合肾新亚型的发病情况,探讨其临床分型、诊断与治疗以及发病机制。方法:回顾性分析1例交叉异位融合肾合并髂血管后巨输尿管异位开口和胸椎侧弯患者的临床资料,包括患者的病史资料、影像资料和手术探查交叉异位融合肾的术中所见,然后进行文献复习。结果:文献复习证实这可能是交叉异位融合肾的一种新亚型,交叉异位融合肾合并髂血管后异位输尿管在以前的文献中也从未见报道,患者的异位输尿结石并感染通过手术治愈。结论:男性的异位输尿管开口更为隐蔽,需要联合多种方法进行诊断。     

不对称经椎弓根截骨矫治成人先天性脊柱侧后凸畸形

【摘要】 目的：分析应用不对称经椎弓根截骨技术矫治成人先天性脊柱侧后凸畸形的临床疗效。方法：2009年9月~2013年10月采用不对称经椎弓根截骨矫治成人先天性脊柱侧后凸畸形患者16例,男9例,女7例。年龄18～42岁,平均23.6岁。均有腰背痛,无神经受压症状。16例患者脊柱侧凸Cobb角43°~97°,后凸Cobb角15°~70°。侧凸畸形和后凸畸形顶椎均位于同一节段,其中顶椎位于胸椎10例、腰椎6例。于术前、术后及末次随访时在X线片上测量脊柱冠状面主弯Cobb角、矢状面后凸角、冠状面平衡及矢状面平衡,比较术前、术后及末次随访时影像学参数评估手术矫形效果。于术前、末次随访时填写SRS-22问卷量表,评估患者术后的生活质量变化。结果：手术融合节段5~12个,平均7.23个节段。手术时间3~7h,平均4.26h。术中出血量700～2500ml,平均1265ml。1例L1部位截骨患者术后出现双下肢痛觉过敏,急诊手术探查发现截骨部位硬脊膜皱褶,脊髓受压,对截骨部位椎板切开减压,术后症状明显好转,术后3个月随访神经症状消失。2例患者术后出现一侧胸腔积血,紧急行胸腔闭式引流术,1周后拔除引流管。15例患者获得6～48个月（平均13.4个月）随访。获得随访的15例患者冠状位主弯Cobb角术前为58.67°±20.36°（43°～97°）,术后为20.32°±8.76°（8°～37°）,末次随访时为21.76°±8.34°（10°～41°）,术后与术前比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）,矫正率为50.76%~82.36%,平均为65.36%,末次随访时与术后比较丢失率为2.45%。术前矢状位后凸角度为45.62°±16.26°（15°～70°）,术后为16.35°±16.87°（-20°～40°）,末次随访时为18.27°±13.92°（-15°～40°）,术后与术前比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）,矫正率为50.97%~79.32%,平均为64.16%,末次随访时与术后比较丢失率为4.2%。15例患者中,6例术前存在冠状面失平衡,术后均恢复平衡;4例术前存在矢状面失平衡,术后3例恢复平衡,1例仍为失平衡。SRS-22问卷量表总得分由术前66.47±12.35分（49～79分）提高至末次随访时的84.13±6.42分（76～92分）（P<0.01）。15例患者均获得骨性融合,无假关节形成或内固定断裂。结论：应用不对称经椎弓根截骨技术矫治先天性脊柱侧后凸畸形,可获得较好的矫形效果,显著改善患者躯体外观及躯体平衡,同时明显改善患者的生活质量。