A case-control study on body composition of teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. (20th October 2021) - Marinov, D
Abstract: Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal abnormality. It affects about 2-3% of all teenagers. Its etiology remains unknown but studies suggest that multiple factors may play a role. A growing body of evidence supports the role of body composition abnormalities including low body mass index (BMI) and low body fat percentage (BF%) as risk factors for AIS development. This study aimed to evaluate these indicators in a group of teenagers with AIS and compare them to age and gender-matched controls. Methods: The study included 98 adolescents with AIS and 73 controls aged 11-18 years from Varna, Bulgaria. Data was collected after receiving informed consent from the parents. Data on AIS diagnosis and severity was collected from the available medical documentation. Anthropometrics were measured using calibrated Tanita BC-420MA (ISSO 9001) and following ESPEN guidelines. BMI for age and BF% for age were estimated using WHO Child Growth Standards and BF% reference curves for children. Results: In the AIS group, 15% were underweight with BMI for age under -2SD. 11% were above +1SD indicating a risk of overweight or obesity. In comparison, 7% of the control group were underweight while 32% were at risk of being overweight or obese. There is a statistically significant difference between the BMI for age in the two groups (χ2=19.564 Đ¿рĐ, p < 0.005). In the AIS group, 47% had BF% for age under the 2nd percentile indicating underfat, while 7% of AIS cases had BF% for age above the 85th percentile indicating they are overfat or obese. In comparison, 15% of the control group were underfat while 19% were overfat or obese. There is a statistically significant difference between the BF% for age in the two groups (χ2=21, 504 Đ¿рĐ, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Children with AIS are more likely to be underweight and underfat compared to their healthy peers. Cases of having a high BF% and being overweight or obese are scarce amongst AIS patients. Key messages: The majority of children with AIS have abnormal body composition compared to healthy age and gender-matched controls. Aspects of the nutritional status may play a role in the etiology of AIS. Children with low body fat might be at a higher risk of developing AIS. AIS screening programs should be directed towards underweight children.