Relationship between inflammatory laboratory parameters and severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a complex condition whose pathogenesis may include inflammation and signs of joint and bone degeneration. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and inflammatory blood parameters. METHODS: The study recruited patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who attended the Rehabilitation Center of the Apostolo Foundation in Merate (LC). The scoliosis curve (Cobb’s angle) was used as a severity index to compare with inflammatory blood parameters (white blood cells subpopulations, immunoglobulins, protein electrophoresis). In addition, the study used an overall severity grading called “Scoliosis Score” which includes all spine angles and Risser’s score (bone development index). RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects were recruited (mean age 14 years, 2 months), 30 females and 2 males. A significant correlation was found between Cobb’s angle and the percentage values of beta-2 globulins in a directly proportional manner (r= 0.42, p= 0.01), and gamma globulins in an inversely proportional manner (r=-0.366, p= 0.04). However, no significant correlation between Cobb’s angle and the absolute values of white blood cells and percentage subpopulations was found (r= 0.0821 p= 0.655). A moderate, inverse correlation was found between the Scoliosis Score and the percentage of neutrophils (r=-0.385, p= 0.02), a direct correlation was found between the Scoliosis Score and the percentage of lymphocytes (r= 0.404, p= 0.02). In addition, there was a strong correlation of the Scoliosis Score with alpha-2 globulin (r= 0.564, p= 0.0012), beta-1 globulin (r= 0.478, p= 0.0074), and beta-2 globulin (r= 0.370, p= 0.044) and an inverse relationship with gamma globulin (r=-0.625, p= 0.0002). The main correlations were confirmed by regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The correlation between beta-2 globulins and gamma globulins with Cobb’s angle and the Scoliosis Score suggests a link between spinal curvature and inflammation in scoliosis patients, This link may indicate the significance of these parameters for diagnosing, staging the disease, and monitoring therapies.