Building: Bourbon Cataratas Convention Centre, Foz do Iguaçu
Room: Cataratas II
Date: 2014-05-05 02:00 PM – 02:15 PM
Last modified: 2014-02-09
Abstract
Objective: Pediatric epilepsy patients are at risk for osteopenia and fractures. Risk factors include being non-ambulatory, decreased sun exposure and reduced vitamin D levels from antiepileptic medications. Prior studies suggest that neurologists do not routinely screen for bone health when treating epilepsy patients. We surveyed pediatric neurologists at our center on bone health care in pediatric epilepsy patients. Methods: Baseline practices of pediatric neurologists with respect to bone health in epilepsy patients was assessed by surveying all neurologists in our center. An intervention including education and developing a standardized screening and treatment protocol was implemented. Chart review to evaluate effectiveness was performed one and six months post intervention. Results: Our survey showed that 67% of providers estimated that they screen for bone health <25% of the time. An algorithm was developed to standardize screening and treatment in our center and all members of the division were educated. After six months of the intervention, Vitamin D levels were checked in 19.5% of epilepsy patients during routine clinic appointments, compared to 2.4% before the intervention, and 12.4% one month after intervention. Six months post intervention, 23% of patients were on vitamin D supplementation of at least 400 International Units. Conclusions: At baseline, the majority of pediatric neurologists at BCH did not routinely screen for bone health in pediatric epilepsy patients. Findings prompted us to develop a standardized screening and treatment algorithm in order to improve awareness and patient care. Follow up chart reviews suggest improved screening and prescription practices after our intervention.