Abstract
Purpose
To compare information on heredity among patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Methods
1440 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were recruited. Information on prevalence of scoliosis among relatives was obtained by questionnaire.
Results
1256 (87%) were women and 184 (13%) were men. 204 (14%) of the participants were juvenile (4-9 yrs) at time of diagnosis. 1236 (86%) were adolescents (10-19 yrs) at time of diagnosis.
141 of the 204 patients (69%) with juvenile scoliosis had been treated (73 brace, 68 surgery) and 817 of the 1236 patients (66%) with adolescent scoliosis had been treated (490 brace, 327 surgery).
23% had at least one parent and 13% had at least one grandparent with scoliosis. When comparing female and male patients there was no difference in proportion of parents with scoliosis (p=0.97, Chi-square) or grandparents with scoliosis (p=0.35). 26% of patients with juvenile scoliosis had at least one parent with scoliosis compared to 22% for patients with adolescent scoliosis (p=0.23). 18% of patients with juvenile scoliosis had at least one grandparent with scoliosis compared to 12% for patients with adolescent scoliosis (p=0.04).
When dividing the patients into groups according to treatment (observed, brace, or surgery), there was no difference in proportion of parents with scoliosis (p=0.59) or in proportion of grandparents with scoliosis (p=0.99).
Conclusion
It is unlikely that information on heredity is of importance for the prognosis of idiopathic scoliosis. We found no difference in heredity among patients with juvenile and adolescent scoliosis or between males and females.
Statement of interest and ethics: The authors have no conflicts of interest.
Ethical consent has been obtained from the ethical committees in Lund and Stockholm, Sweden (LU 363-02, 230/2006, 2009/1124-31/2).
Grants were provided by: Stockholm County Council, Karolinska Institute, Region Skåne County Council, Västernorrland County Council.
No commercial or industrial support has been obtained.
