Introduction Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine occurring in up to 4% of children between 10 and 18 years of age. AIS is considered multifactorial, and probably genetics play an important role in its genesis. Family history may present several individuals affected. Classical progression risk factors such as curve magnitude, remaining growth potential, and skeletal maturity help us to identify which curves are likely to worsen. Scientists have tried to link the AIS to vitamin D receptor gene (VDRG) polymorphism. Approximately 90% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin D should be provided by sunlight through a process housed in the skin, the 10% remaining (around 400 IU) must be ingested. After hydroxylation processes hosted by the liver and kidneys, calcitriol (1,25OHVitD—active form) will play an important role in bone homeostasis and muscle strength. Vitamin D levels are considered insufficient under 30 ng/mL and deficient when lower than 20 ng/mL. Recently, bone mineral density has been studied and included as a potential explanation to the developing of skeletal deformities and its progression. Benefits of vitamin D include adequate management of muscle and bone quality, and this hormone could be implicated on AIS development. This study had the objective of comparing vitamin D serum levels of children being treated for AIS in our institution to those of normal individuals. Patients and Methods Patient recruitment was undertaken along 2013 from the outpatient clinics of Spine Pathology of the Department of Orthopedics. Children younger than 10 or older than 18 years, and those carrying neurologic or muscular disorders, congenital deformities, or genetic syndromes were excluded. Calcium, phosphorus, creatine, urea, and human parathyroid hormone dosage were taken to rule out renal or parathyroid dysfunctions. Patients were measured and weighted, and 25-OHVitD levels were determined through electrochemiluminescence by an automated test after an 8-hour fasting, during Brazilian Spring. The results were compared with a paired group composed of healthy individuals. Results The majority of the patients in both groups are nonblack females. In group 1 (controls), all children were eutrophic according to their body mass index and 63.3% showed abnormal vitamin D levels. Group 2 presented 12.7% incidence of malnutrition, and only 9% presented normal vitamin D level. Statistical analysis through unpaired t tests found relevant difference ( p < 0.001) between the means of vitamin D levels of the two groups. Conclusions There is a significant difference of vitamin D levels between patients with AIS and normal individuals. However, more studies are necessary to establish a cause–consequence relation between low vitamin D levels and AIS.
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