The influence of lung volume on gas transfer in scoliosis.

Single-breath carbon monoxide transfer factor (DLCO) and diffusion coefficient (KCO) have been compared with vital capacity and total lung capacity in 119 subjects with scoliosis, 74 with idiopathic scoliosis, 32 with congenital osteogenic scoliosis and 13 with paralytic scoliosis. In each group mean values of DLCO were below, and for KCO above, predicted values. Furthermore, in each group, DLCO was correlated with lung volume and KCO inversely correlated with lung volume.

Pregnancy in thoracic scoliosis.

We present information about 118 pregnancies in 64 patients with thoracic scoliosis, two-thirds of whom had curves in excess of 60 degrees. Although increased breathlessness was experienced in 17% of pregnancies, no serious cardiorespiratory problems were encountered. Increased black pain occurred in 21% of pregnancies.

One year's study of growth and total hydroxyproline excretion in scoliotic children.

21 children with scoliosis were studied for a year during which time 24-hour urinary total hydroxyproline levels are estimated and anthropometric measurements were made on 4 occasions. The total hydroxyproline levels (using hydroxyproline centiles) and the uncorrected heights of the children were all normal. The sitting heights of the children were below average, but, although the sample was small, the findings indicate that the children's 'uncoiled' height would be greater than average.

Lung function in young persons after spinal fusion for scoliosis.

The long-term changes in vital capacity and in total lung capacity after spinal fusion for 43 scoliotic patients are described. The values recorded were seldom lower after surgery but did not show any marked subsequent increases with patient growth. Subsequent increases in volumes are less marked in the group of patients with paralytic scoliosis.

Hydroxyproline centiles for normal adolescent boys and girls.

Centiles for 24 hour urinary total hydroxyproline are useful in monitoring growth and the effect of treatment in children with orthopedic diseases such as scoliosis, where growth is difficult to measure by anthropometric means. The centiles have been calculated from the data of a 5 year longitudinal study on 100 normal adolescent schoolchildren. Hydroxyproline estimations and assessments of growth were done 3 times a year.