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Platelet calmodulin levels in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): can they predict curve progression and severity?

Summary of an electronic focus group debate of the IBSE

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Abstract

There is no generally accepted scientific theory for the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. As part of its mission to widen understanding of scoliosis etiology, the International Federated Body on Scoliosis Etiology (IBSE) introduced the electronic focus group (EFG) as a means of increasing debate of extant knowledge on important topics. This has been designated as an on-line Delphi discussion. The text for this EFG was written by Professor Thomas G Lowe MD and drawn from research carried out by himself and his co-workers on platelet calmodulin levels in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. To explain the relationship of platelet calmodulin levels to scoliosis curve changes in AIS brought about spontaneously, by brace treatment, or surgery Dr Lowe attributes the platelet calmodulin changes to paraspinous muscle activity and suggests that the calmodulin acts as a systemic mediator of tissues having a contractile system (actin and myosin). Controversy includes: 1) the lack of normal data and the large variability in baseline levels of platelet calmodulin, necessitating the use of the AIS subjects as their own controls; 2) calmodulin is not usually used as a marker of platelet activation; 3) whether the platelet calmodulin changes which appear to reflect an abnormality of a portion of the spine are related to local and/or regional changes in muscles, nervous system, or immature vertebrae. What is not controversial is the need for more research on platelets and the immature deforming skeleton in relation to etiology and prognosis.

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Acknowledgement

IBSE is supported financially by the British Scoliosis Research Foundation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 3550 Lutheran Parkway #201, Wheatridge, CO , 80033-6014, USA

    Thomas G. Lowe

  2. 34 Dovedale Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6JA, UK

    R. G. Burwell

  3. Centre for Spinal Studies & Surgery, University Hospital, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK

    R. G. Burwell

  4. Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L14 3DE, UK

    P. H. Dangerfield

  5. Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

    P. H. Dangerfield

  6. Sherrington Buildings, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK

    P. H. Dangerfield

Authors
  1. Thomas G. Lowe
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  2. R. G. Burwell
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  3. P. H. Dangerfield
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. G. Burwell.

Additional information

This paper provides an edited summary of the second electronic focus group (EFG) of the International Federated Body on Scoliosis Etiology (IBSE). It contains the research of Professor Thomas G Lowe MD and his colleagues on platelet calmodulin levels in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that was debated via e-mail by IBSE members during the period October 2002–July 2003. The summary (Professor Lowe’s statement, comments, questions and answers 1–24) was circulated by e-mail to IBSE members on 22 August 2003 and no further comments were received. Ideas presented in this summary are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by all those within IBSE. The edited summary of the first EFG of the IBSE and some details about the IBSE have been published [19].

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Lowe, T.G., Burwell, R.G. & Dangerfield, P.H. Platelet calmodulin levels in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): can they predict curve progression and severity?. Eur Spine J 13, 257–265 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-003-0655-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-003-0655-3

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