Achondroplasia

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University detail research in obesity

Achondroplasia Library Library Home This article was published in Pain & Central Nervous System Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"Although laminectomies have long been the method of choice for thorough lumbar decompression, to the best of our knowledge, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and surgical outcomes after laminectomy in patients with achondroplasia has not been investigated in a large patient population. Through a retrospective medical record review of the initial laminectomes of all individuals with achondroplasia at our institution for whom adequate records were available, we evaluated the influence of BMI on surgical outcomes after laminectomy via four criteria: (1) change in Rankin score-, (2) change in walking distance; (3) intra-operative and post-operative complications; and (4) need for subsequent revision laminectomies. The 49 individuals (mean BMI: 31.5 kg/m(2) at the time of laminectomy) were stratified into the standard BMI categories: normal (< 25 kg/m(2)), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m(2)), obese Class I (30-34.9 kg/m(2)), and a combined obese Class II (35-39.9 kg/m(2)) and obese Class III (> 40 kg/m(2)). Our analysis indicated that there was no statistical difference between these groups in terms of the four criteria. When the study group was categorized into non-obese (normal weight and overweight) and obese (obese Classes I and II/III) groups, there was also no statistically significant improvement difference in terms the same four criteria," wrote M.C. Ain and colleagues, Johns Hopkins University.

The researchers concluded: "Our data Suggest that obesity does not pose additional risks to laminectomy in individuals with achondroplasia."

Ain and colleagues published their study in American Journal of Medical Genetics Part a (Scientists at Johns Hopkins University detail research in obesity. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part a, 2007;143A(10):1032-1037).

For additional information, contact M.C. Ain, Johns Hopkins University, Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Med Center, 4940 Eastern Avenue, A672, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the American Journal of Medical Genetics Part a is: Wiley-Liss, Division John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.

Keywords: United States, Baltimore, Achondroplasia, Angiology, BMI, Bariatrics, Complications, Genetics, Laminectomy, Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Obesity, Orthopedics, Johns Hopkins University.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.