Association between vitamin d levels and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with AIS and a control group. Methods: The patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of our institution during the year of 2013. Children diagnosed with scoliosis before 10 or after 18 years of age, and those suffering from neurological or muscular disorders, congenital malformations or genetic syndromes were excluded. The 25-OHD levels were determined by a fully automated electrochemiluminescence test. The appropriate level of 25-OHD was defined as greater than 30 ng/mL. The results were compared to a group of healthy individuals. Results: In group 1 (control) 63,3% showed abnormal vitamin D levels, while 91% of patients with AIS presented a low level of vitamin D. The mean BMI was 19.6 kg/m2 for controls and 20.3 kg/m2 for group 2. Statistical analysis showed significant difference (p<0.0001) between the levels of vitamin D. The average and minimum levels of vitamin D were respectively 27 and 13.6 ng/mL for group 1 and 18.8 and 3.13 ng/mL for AIS group. Conclusions: Patients with AIS had statistically significant lower levels of 25-OHD than healthy patients. Further research should be conducted to investigate the actual impact of serum vitamin D levels on the pathophysiology of AIS.