Abstracts

Children with epilepsy may benefit from single-daily dose Depakote ER. In the presence of developmental delay parents may have concerns regarding their child[apos]s ability to swallow extended release tablets. We developed a training protocol aimed at teaching parents how to transition their child from Depakote Sprinkles to Depakote ER tablets., Subjects included 10 children diagnosed with epilepsy and developmental delay, and their parents. Subjects had no known diagnoses of feeding disorders, swallowing problems, or food aversion. Parents underwent a three step training program; 1.) Parents were interviewed about their child[apos]s swallowing abilities and previous pill-taking history. 2.) Parents received instruction on swallowing mechanics and behavior modification techniques. 3.) Pill administration was modeled by the clinic nurse and/or epilepsy nurse practitioner with each child. Mock tablets of incremental size were used during the training sessions. Children were allowed to swallow the pills with soft food or liquid but were not permitted to chew the tablets. Parents were instructed to practice with their child at home and provide a return demonstration at follow-up clinic visits., Nine subjects completed the protocol successfully and transitioned from sprinkles to extended release tablets within the study timeframe. The tenth child acquired pill-taking skills shortly after the last study visit and is now taking extended release tablets. None of the subjects experienced choking, gagging, or other serious symptoms of distress., Developmental delay need not be an exclusionary factor in considering children[apos]s ability to swallow medication in pill form. Children with epilepsy and developmental difficulties can learn to swallow tablets through structured behavioral interventions. The ability to swallow tablets may contribute to overall compliance with treatment., (Supported by Abbott Laboratories.)