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Published on: September 18, 2011
Primary thoraco-spinal disorders of childhood
1Department of Pediatrics, University School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.
Insights
Children with spinal and thoracic deformities are living longer due to new treatments. This review covers their cardiopulmonary effects, treatments, and supportive care, highlighting the need for more long-term outcome data.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pulmonology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Spinal and thoracic deformities were once rare but are now more prevalent.
- Advancements in "growth friendly" implantable devices allow children to live longer.
- Increased survival necessitates understanding cardiopulmonary consequences and long-term care.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review current literature on thoraco-spinal disorders in children.
- Emphasize respiratory consequences and management strategies.
- Discuss the evolving roles of surgeons and pulmonologists.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent studies.
- Analysis of outcomes related to new implantable devices.
- Synthesis of information on surgical and non-surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- Growing interest in functional cardiopulmonary outcomes.
- New devices are continuously being developed.
- Long-term outcome data is currently limited.
Conclusions:
- Early-onset thoraco-spinal disorders have significant respiratory implications.
- Multidisciplinary care involving pulmonologists and surgeons is crucial.
- Further research is needed to establish long-term outcomes and optimal management.
Abstract:
Primary structural deformities of the spine and thorax were at one time rare and reportable in case series. With the development of new "growth friendly" implantable devices, children with these disorders are living longer and receiving both surgical and pulmonary care. As a result, there has been growing interest in the functional cardiopulmonary consequences of these deformities, the current surgical and non-surgical treatments, and the role of long-term supportive care. This article reviews current literature in this rapidly changing field, where new devices are developed and outcomes are changing. The respiratory consequences of early-onset thoraco-spinal disorders are emphasized and the roles of the pulmonologist and surgeons are discussed. There are more questions than answers as no long-term outcome data yet exists.
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