Abstracts

The use of alternative/complementary therapies among adults with chronic illness is reported. In adult studies, [sim]50% report using these therapies and more than half did not report this to their physician. Use of alternative medications in children with neurological problems has not been systematically examined. Use of these therapies without physician knowledge puts the child at risk for adverse events and interactions. This study was conducted at the Penn State Children[apos]s Hospital between 6/03 and 3/04. Parents /caregivers of established patients with neurological disorders completed a questionnaire regarding use of complementary/alternative therapies. This was comprised of 13 questions addressing diagnosis, length of illness, present treatment, use of alternative therapies, patient perceptions of effectiveness and reporting use to providers. This study was approved by the IRB. Consent was obtained from each participant. 350 of 356 (98%) questionnaires were completed. Mean age was 8.6 years (range 4 months to 20 years). Epilepsy was the most common diagnosis (60%). 74% were receiving therapy for their underlying condition. The majority felt it was effective. 37% (129/350) reported either use or prior use of alternative therapies which included herbal, massage, chiropractic and vitamin therapy. The majority were patients with epilepsy (45%) and this was significant (p[lt]0.01). The use of these therapies was significantly more likely if the duration of illness was one year or less (p[lt]0.01). An individual with a duration of less than one year, was 2.4, 4 and 3.8 times more likely to use alternative therapies than someone with a duration of 1-4, 5-9 and [gt]10 years respectively. 87% of the entire group felt the alternative therapy was effective. 40% knew if there were side effects to this treatment. There was no significant difference between perceptions of effectiveness by caregivers of medically prescribed versus the alternative therapy. 69% reported use to either their primary care provider or neurologist. More than one third of children with neurologic conditions are exposed to alternative therapies. Patients with epilepsy were significantly more likely to use alternative therapies than children with other neurological disorders. A shorter duration of illness was significantly associated with alternative therapy use suggesting increased availability of information and awareness. Caregivers perceive both types of therapy effective. Most caregivers report use of these therapies to at least one care provider. (Supported by the Children[apos]s Miracle Network.)