None — BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis cases is unknown. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten severe cases of scoliosis.
The Scoliscore Test is the first and only genetic test proven to give physicians and family insight into the possible progression of a child's Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), thereby allowing for a more personalized treatment plan for the child. The test should be administered prior to beginning scoliosis treatment, since the Scoliscore test may help physicians make more informed decisions about how to manage a child's curve. (Source: Scoliscore.com)
TAKING THE TEST: Physicians can administer this test by collecting a child's saliva sample during a routine office visit. The test assigns a numerical value (between 1 and 200) to the likelihood of curve progression based on the child's DNA, and the current Cobb angle. The physician can then use this information, combined with other clinical factors, to determine a personalized treatment plan for the child.
HOW THE TEST WORKS: The test uses specific DNA markers to predict the likelihood that an AIS curve will progress. Researchers identified 28 signs in DNA that an AIS curve will progress, and 25 signs in DNA that an AIS curve will not progress. Children with AIS have both sets of signs in their DNA. The ratio of signs present in a DNA sample predicts the likelihood that the child's curve will or won't progress. A validated algorithm generates a Scoliscore number unique to your child's individual genetic markers. This score is provided to the child's physician in a test report.
WHAT'S NEXT: Axial Biotech, Inc. – the company that manufactures this product – believes they have broken the code to scoliosis. They are now trying to identify genetic links that could potentially serve as a basis for a predictive test for the treatment of degenerative disc disease.