Impact of idiopathic scoliosis on lung function

McPhail et al completed a study of pulmonary function testing in patients undergoing preoperative pulmonary assessment for idiopathic scoliosis. They reviewed data from 176 such patients with Cobb angles ≥ 40 degrees who performed acceptable and repeatable pulmonary function tests. The primary outcome measure was the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and 39% of the patients had obstructive lung disease, defined by low FEV1/FVC. This is of interest because earlier studies have focused on restrictive lung disease in this population. The results indicate that children with idiopathic scoliosis are likely to have obstructive defects, restrictive defects, or mixed defects. The authors recommend preoperative pulmonary function testing be a standard for patients with idiopathic scoliosis under consideration for spinal fusion surgery. Article page 1018▶ Obstructive Lung Disease in Children with Idiopathic ScoliosisThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 166Issue 4PreviewTo measure the prevalence of obstructive lung disease (OLD) among patients undergoing preoperative pulmonary assessment for idiopathic scoliosis. Full-Text PDF