127 'BONE HEALTH AND FRACTURE RISK ASSESSMENT IN COPD EXACERBATIONS DURING HOSPITALISATION- ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT?'. (18th November 2021) - McGurk, C
Abstract: Background: COPD increases the risk of osteoporosis and international guidelines recommend that such patients undergo fracture risk assessment, referral for densitometry and appropriate management. We aimed to identify if patients admitted to our hospital with COPD exacerbation underwent assessment and were prescribed bone protection medication. Methods: All admissions with COPD exacerbation to an Irish level 2 hospital between July 2020 and July 2021 were identified. The discharge summaries were screened for information regarding the presence of fracture risk and bone health assessment. Discharge prescriptions were examined for calcium, vitamin d and anti-osteoporosis medications. Radiology reports were screened for fragility fractures. Results: Between July 2020–2021, there were 3, 840 presentations to the medical assessment unit. Forty-six patients were admitted with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation, mean age 72 (56% female). Seventy eight percent were classified as having GOLD Stage D disease with 28% receiving long term oxygen therapy. Mean number of hospitalisations per year per patient was 1.91 ± 1.2. Forty-three percent had laboratory evidence of bone health assessment during admission. Only 50% of patients were discharged on vitamin d replacement; 22% on calcium supplementation and 4% on osteoporotic medications. Regarding previous fractures, 9% had evidence of fragility fracture described on radiology reports, this was not mentioned on any hospital discharge letter. Conclusion: This study suggests that opportunities for bone health assessment and intervention may be under recognised in COPD patients. Ways to improve this may include proformas and visual aids to prompt assessment and documentation of bone health, further education to increase awareness and greater access to densitometry resources in the community. In conclusion, this study highlights that further attention to patients' bone health assessment and commencement of appropriate treatment is warranted. Admission to hospital or clinic review for such patients provide important opportunities for intervention.