AN ANALYSIS OF SMOKING PATTERNS IN THE PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH LEGG-CALVÉ-PERTHES DISEASE.

Abstract

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the immature femoral head is the final common pathway of the Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease. Since cigarette smoking has been linked to the development of vascular disease, a study was performed to see if there was any association between parental smoking and LCP disease.

The biological parents of 97 children with LCP disease were questioned on their smoking habits, which were compared to a control group of parents with unaffected children. Further comparison was made with respondents from the Perthes’ Association website who completed an on-line questionnaire.

Parents were classified as being smokers or non-smokers on the basis of their smoking habit pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and at the time of diagnosis of LCP being made. There was a higher proportion of children in the LCP group who had parents who smoke (N=67/97, 69%) compared to the control group (N=14/87, 16%). Further analysis showed that the highest rate occurred when both parents smoke before pregnancy (N=37/97, 38%) followed by when only the father smoked (N=23/97, 24 %). Maternal smoking alone appeared to have the least association (N=7/97, 7 %).

In the control group the non-smoking rate was 58/87 [67%]. The changes in smoking patterns with respect to the pregnancy concerned were also noted.

Fisher’s Exact test was used to determine any difference between the study group and the control group. There was a significant difference between the Perthes’ SE group concerned to the controls in all respects except maternal smoking.

Comparison made with data obtained from the Perthes’ association website showed no difference between the two Perthes’ groups.

Conclusion: These results support an association between parental smoking and the development of disease LCP disease.