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Cell-based Assay Protocol for the Prognostic Prediction of Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy
Published on: October 16, 2013
Idiopathic scoliosis and pineal lesions in Australian children
G A Day1, I B McPhee, J Tuffley
1University of Queensland, Australia. ggandlda@bigpond.net.au
Insights
This study found no link between treating pineal lesions in children and developing idiopathic scoliosis. The research indicates that pineal ablation does not cause scoliosis in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Spinal Disorders
- Oncology
Background:
- Pineal region tumors are rare in children.
- Idiopathic scoliosis is a common spinal deformity in adolescents.
- Potential links between central nervous system conditions and scoliosis have been investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential association between the treatment of pediatric pineal region lesions and the subsequent development of idiopathic scoliosis.
- To determine if interventions for pineal pathology influence spinal curvature.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 48 children (38 boys, 10 girls) with various pineal lesions (cysts, tumors) was retrospectively reviewed.
- Patients underwent treatments including surgery and radiotherapy.
- Follow-up data was analyzed for the incidence of scoliosis.
Main Results:
- No cases of scoliosis were observed in female patients or in those who did not survive.
- Two male patients developed scoliosis; one had mild thoracic scoliosis and kyphosis, the other had a severe thoracolumbar idiopathic curve requiring surgical fusion.
- The overall incidence of scoliosis in this cohort was low.
Conclusions:
- Pineal region lesion treatment, including ablation, is not associated with the development of idiopathic scoliosis in children.
- The findings suggest that pineal pathology or its treatment does not represent a significant risk factor for idiopathic scoliosis.
Purpose:
To determine whether treatment of pineal lesions in children is associated with development of idiopathic scoliosis.
Methods:
38 boys and 10 girls with pineal lesions were identified. Their mean age at presentation was 10 years. The pineal pathology varied from cysts and epidermoid to teratoma, germinoma, pineocytoma, and glioblastoma. Treatment ranged from biopsy/extirpation to radiotherapy.
Results:
12 patients died. No scoliosis was found in any females or any of the deceased. Two boys had scoliosis: one had a 12-degree right upper thoracic curve with 32-degree kyphosis and the other had a 60-degree right thoracolumbar idiopathic curve, requiring a 2-stage arthrodesis.
Conclusion:
Pineal ablation is not related to the development of idiopathic scoliosis in humans.
