Vitamin D in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis.

Dong Suk Kim, Jung Sub Lee

Journal: BMC musculoskeletal disorders 2023;24(1):689

PMID: 37644501

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Plain Language Summary

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a condition characterised by a three-dimensional spinal deformity, predominantly affecting adolescent girls. The role of vitamin D in AIS has been a subject of interest due to its importance in bone health and musculoskeletal development. The aim of this study was to compare serum vitamin D levels between girls with AIS and healthy controls, and to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and the incidence of AIS. This study was a meta-analysis which synthesised data from eight comparative studies, focusing on demographic characteristics, bone density, and serum levels of various substances, including vitamin D. Results did not show significant differences in demographic characteristics, bone density, serum levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and phosphate between the AIS group and controls, except for serum calcium levels, which were lower in the AIS group. Authors concluded that there is a weak correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the incidence of AIS due to heterogeneity among studies. Thus, larger, multicentre studies are needed to validate these findings.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare serum vitamin D levels in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and controls using meta-analysis methods. We searched Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases for studies evaluating outcomes in AIS, including patient age, body mass index, bone mineral density (BMD), and serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphate, published between January 2000 and June 2020. We searched for studies that were limited to humans only. The inclusion criteria were a scoliosis study that measured vitamin D levels. We excluded duplicate publications such as review articles, case reports, and letters without original data. Two authors extracted data independently and resolved any discrepancies by consensus.

RESULTS

Eight comparative studies were identified. Demographic characteristics, bone density, serum levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and phosphate levels were not significantly different between AIS group and controls, except for serum calcium levels. The serum calcium levels were lower in AIS group than in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This review includes eight comparative studies reporting serum vitamin D and/or parathyroid hormone levels in AIS. Due to heterogeneity, a limited number of meta-analyses have shown a weak correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the incidence of AIS. Larger, multicenter studies are therefore needed to validate the results.

Address: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Biomedical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University, 179 Gudeok-Ro, Seo-Gu, Busan, 49241, Republic of Korea.; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Biomedical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University, 179 Gudeok-Ro, Seo-Gu, Busan, 49241, Republic of Korea. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06793-0