Incidence of clinical fractures: A 7-year follow-up study in institutionalized adults with epilepsy and intellectual disability

Purpose: To determine the incidence of clinical fractures over seven years of follow-up, in adults with epilepsy and intellectual disability, residing in a long-stay care facility.

Methods: In 2009, all institutionalized adult patients (n = 261) were invited to undergo a Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) measurement and a Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA). Participants were followed over seven years or until date of discharge (in case of moving from the care facility) or date of death. The patients' medical files were screened for radiology reports and staff notes, to identify clinical fractures. Fracture incidence rates (IR) were determined and compared for subgroups, by calculating incidence rate ratios. Hazard ratios were calculated to identify factors associated with fracture risk, using Cox Proportional Hazards analyses.

Results: A total of 205 patients (124 male, 60.5%) aged between 18 and 88 years (median 48, IQR 34-60) were enrolled. At baseline, 92 patients (44.9%) were diagnosed with osteopenia and 65 (31.7%) with osteoporosis. Between 2009 and 2016, 30 patients (14.6%) deceased and 3 patients (1.5%) left the care facility. During follow-up, 156 clinical fractures were reported in 82 patients (40.0%). Thirty-eight patients (18.5%) had at least one major osteoporotic fracture. Overall, the IR was 11.6 fractures per 100 person-years. Fracture risk was significantly lower in patients who were wheelchair dependent than in patients who were able to walk (p<.001).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 40% of institutionalized adults with epilepsy and intellectual disability had at least one clinical fracture during seven years of follow-up, despite adequate anti-osteoporosis treatment.