Genetic causes of chronic musculoskeletal disease in childhood are common
Insights
Genetic causes of pediatric musculoskeletal diseases increased significantly after polio immunization. This highlights the growing importance of genetic factors in orthopedic care and staff education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Medical Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Poliomyelitis was a major cause of pediatric musculoskeletal disease.
- Universal immunization against poliomyelitis has dramatically reduced its incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the causes of pediatric orthopedic admissions between the polio era and the post-polio era.
- To assess the changing relative importance of genetic versus non-genetic causes of musculoskeletal disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital admissions for pediatric orthopedics.
- Comparison of admission data from 1957 (polio era) and 1982 (post-polio era).
Main Results:
- Admissions for genetic musculoskeletal diseases rose from 45% in 1957 to 57% in 1982 (p < 0.02).
- Admissions for non-genetic musculoskeletal diseases decreased from 44% in 1957 to 28% in 1982 (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of genetic causes for pediatric musculoskeletal conditions has increased.
- Genetics plays a crucial role in pediatric orthopedic services and staff training.
Abstract:
We surveyed admissions to a pediatric orthopedics hospital for calender years 1957 (polio era) and 1982 (post-polio era). The relative importance of genetic causes of musculoskeletal disease increased after poliomyelitis immunization became universal. Admissions for musculoskeletal disease with a genetic cause (chromosomal, Mendelian, multifactorial, and familial) accounted for 45% of the total in 1957 and 57% in 1982 (p less than 0.02); non-genetic causes were 44% in 1957 and 28% in 1982 (p less than 0.001). The high probability of recurrent disease in the families of these patients implies that genetics has an important place in the provision of services and in the education of staff in pediatric orthopedic hospitals.
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