Clinical Guidelines for Management of Bone Health in Rett Syndrome Based on Expert Consensus and Available Evidence.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to develop clinical guidelines for managing bone health in Rett syndrome, including the role of calcium supplementation.
Results Summary
The study found that calcium and vitamin D supplementation, when levels are low, are first-line approaches to optimizing bone health in Rett syndrome, alongside increased physical activity. Bisphosphonates are recommended if osteoporosis criteria are met.
Population
Individuals with Rett syndrome.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
increasing physical activity | increase | bone health | individuals with Rett syndrome | - | first approaches to optimizing | #1 |
calcium and vitamin D supplementation | increase | bone health | individuals with Rett syndrome | - | initiating when low are the first approaches to optimizing | #2 |
bisphosphonates | decrease | osteoporosis in children | individuals with Rett syndrome | - | use is recommended | #3 |
these evidence and consensus-based guidelines | increase | bone health | those with Rett syndrome | - | have the potential to improve | #4 |
these evidence and consensus-based guidelines | decrease | fractures | those with Rett syndrome | - | reduce the frequency of | #5 |
OBJECTIVES: We developed clinical guidelines for the management of bone health in Rett syndrome through evidence review and the consensus of an expert panel of clinicians. METHODS: An initial guidelines draft was created which included statements based upon literature review and 11 open-ended questions where literature was lacking. The international expert panel reviewed the draft online using a 2-stage Delphi process to reach consensus agreement. Items describe the clinical assessment of bone health, bone mineral density assessment and technique, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. RESULTS: Agreement was reached on 39 statements which were formulated from 41 statements and 11 questions. When assessing bone health in Rett syndrome a comprehensive assessment of fracture history, mutation type, prescribed medication, pubertal development, mobility level, dietary intake and biochemical bone markers is recommended. A baseline densitometry assessment should be performed with accommodations made for size, with the frequency of surveillance determined according to individual risk. Lateral spine x-rays are also suggested. Increasing physical activity and initiating calcium and vitamin D supplementation when low are the first approaches to optimizing bone health in Rett syndrome. If individuals with Rett syndrome meet the ISCD criterion for osteoporosis in children, the use of bisphosphonates is recommended. CONCLUSION: A clinically significant history of fracture in combination with low bone densitometry findings is necessary for a diagnosis of osteoporosis. These evidence and consensus-based guidelines have the potential to improve bone health in those with Rett syndrome, reduce the frequency of fractures, and stimulate further research that aims to ameliorate the impacts of this serious comorbidity.