Incidence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis.

Clara Inés Llopis-Ibor, Gonzalo Mariscal, Jose Enrique de la Rubia Ortí, Carlos Barrios

Journal: Frontiers in endocrinology 2023;14():1250118

PMID: 37886647

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Plain Language Summary

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent orthopaedic condition with an unclear aetiology. Recent research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of AIS, as it plays a crucial role in calcium-phosphate metabolism and skeletal system regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with AIS and to analyse associated risk factors such as race, curve magnitude, and sex. This study was a meta-analysis including six studies with 1,428 patients. Results showed that the incidence of vitamin D insufficiency was 36.19%, and the deficiency was 41.43% among patients with AIS. Caucasian patients had a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to African patients. No significant correlation was found between vitamin D levels and curve magnitude or sex. Authors concluded that their findings revealed significant rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with AIS, with racial differences in incidence rates. However, no relationship was found between vitamin D levels and the severity of scoliosis or sex. Thus, the authors underscore the need for further research to understand the role of vitamin D in AIS pathogenesis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis through a meta-analysis and to analyze trends and risk factors.

METHODS

Potentially relevant studies were searched using the terms "Vitamin D AND scoliosis." Data on the incidence and risk factors, such as race, curve magnitude, and sex, were extracted from the selected studies. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for the data analysis. Six studies with a total of 1, 428 patients met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The incidence of vitamin D insufficiency in patients with idiopathic scoliosis was 36.19% (95% CI [21.93 to 50.46]. In contrast, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 41.43% (95% CI [16.62 66.23]. Vitamin D levels were compared between Caucasian and African patients and it was concluded that Caucasian patients had a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency [RR 0.15, 95% CI (0.03 to 0.82; P = 0.03]. There was also an association between patients with idiopathic scoliosis and lower vitamin D -5.58, 95% CI [-7.10, -4.06]. Finally, no significant differences were observed in terms of curve magnitude assessed with the Cobb angle mean difference (MD) 4.45, 95% CI [-0.55, 9.44], or sex with lower-than-normal levels of vitamin D OR 0.96, 95% CI [0.58 to 1.60].

DISCUSSION

The incidence rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were 36.19% and 41.43%, respectively. The Caucasian race was associated with a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to the African race. Vitamin D deficiency was not related to curve magnitude or sex.

Address: Institute for Research on Musculoskeletal Disorders, Valencia Catholic University, Valencia, Spain.; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1250118