Benefit of Sequential Audit Cycles in Improving Management of Vitamin D Deficiency in the HIV Infected Paediatric Population

Ir Med J. 2019 Sep 12;112(8):990.

Abstract

Aims Lifelong HIV infection has an unknown impact on bone health in children. In view of this, we aimed to improve management of vitamin D deficiency. Methods Three audits over 8 years (2009-2017) were performed with interventions introduced intermittently in an effort to improve vitamin D deficiency. The interventions included education, a change in vitamin D dose and brand to increase compliance and a shift to nursing led management. Results The most striking result was the eradication of patients with deficient vitamin D levels (<25nmol/L) in 2017. In 2009 and 2015, 15% and 9% were deficient. In the earlier two studies, only 15% had ‘sufficient’ (>50nmol) vitamin D levels. This increased to 71% in 2017. 10% of patients had levels greater than >120nmol/L, increasing risk of vitamin D toxicity. 67% of patients with insufficient vit D (25-50nmol/L) were prescribed a stat high dose vitamin D (120,000 IU) to help avoid adherence issues. Conclusions Sequential audits along with a shift to nurse led management were the most likely reasons for sustained improvement. Similar projects in all medical departments could improve clinical outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Audit / methods
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Practice Patterns, Nurses'*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D