Abstract
Introduction: Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure has become a valuable tool in assessing respiratory muscle weakness. Its role in the scoliosis population is still being defined.
Aim: To assess significance of Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure in paediatric patients with scoliosis. Eighty-nine paediatric patients were investigated with SNIP at the time of preoperative assessment for scoliosis surgery from Jan, 2000 to Dec, 2006. Patients were divided into neuromuscular(24) and idiopathic(55). Other causes and revision were excluded(10). SNIP was evaluated with respect to curve pattern and curve degree. This included radiograph and case note review.
The mean SNIP value for the idiopathic and neuromuscular groups was 70cmH2O and 44cmH2O respectively. This was significantly different (P=0.006). The mean cobb angle for idiopathic pattern was 58°. For the neuromuscular group it was 73°. There was no correlation between SNIP value and curve severity in either the idiopathic or neuromuscular group.
SNIP value does not correlate with cobb angle severity. SNIP can differentiate idiopathic from neuromuscular scoliosis. Low SNIP values are found in neuromuscular scoliosis. Its role in non neuromuscular scoliosis does not appear to be significant.
The abstracts were prepared by David AF Morgan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at davidafmorgan@aoa.org.au
Declaration of interest: a
