Early Scoliotic Changes in Children at Increased Risk for Scoliosis Development

Launched by UMC UTRECHT · Jun 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at early changes in the spines of children who may be at a higher risk for developing scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally. Researchers want to understand how the spine grows and changes during the important growth years of adolescence, especially in children who have a family history of scoliosis or those diagnosed with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. The study aims to monitor spine development using safe imaging techniques that do not involve radiation, helping to identify any early signs of scoliosis before it becomes noticeable.

To participate, children must be aged 8 to 11 years old and either be girls with a family member diagnosed with scoliosis or have 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Importantly, they should not show any signs of scoliosis at the start of the trial. Parents or legal guardians will need to provide consent for their child to join. Throughout the trial, participants will undergo regular check-ups and imaging to track their spinal growth, providing valuable insights into the development of scoliosis in these at-risk groups.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Cohort 1:
• • Female,
• • 8, 9 or 10 years old
• • An older sibling, twin or parent diagnosed with AIS
• Cohort 2:
• • Diagnosed with 22q11.2DS
• • Girls: 8, 9 or 10 years old.
• • Boys: 9, 10 or 11 years old.
• • All
• • No clinical signs of scoliosis at inclusion (physical examination by forward bending test and Bunnell Scoliometer assessment with a cut-off value of 7°.
• • Written informed consent of parents/legal representatives.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Contraindications for MR imaging
• • Early-onset scoliosis or other spinal deformities
• • Other syndromes or neuromuscular disease associated with scoliosis
• • Clinical signs of \>1cm leg length discrepancy
• • Other diseases or injuries, that are related to abnormal spinal growth, posture, activity levels, or scoliosis development.