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Osteoporosis International
Published in: Osteoporosis International 11/2010

01-11-2010 | Original Article

Incidence and risk factors of falling in ambulatory patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective 1-year study

Authors: M. Hayashibara, H. Hagino, H. Katagiri, T. Okano, J. Okada, R. Teshima

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 11/2010

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Abstract

Summary

A prospective 1-year study showed that fall incidence was 50% in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Multivariate analysis identified swollen joint count, use of antihypertensives or diuretics, one-leg standing time, and sway area measured by stabilometer as significant parameters associated with falls.

Introduction

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be at increased risk of falling because they frequently experience muscle weakness and stiff or painful joints. The aim of this study was to use a prospective design to determine the incidence of falls and their risk factors in women with RA.

Methods

Eighty-four women aged 50 and over who had RA were enrolled. The mean age was 64.1 years. We evaluated postural stability, physical performance related to falls, disease activity, muscle volume, and bone density. The occurrence of falls was assessed every month for 1 year. Among 84 patients, 80 completed a 1-year observation.

Results

Forty patients (50.0%) reported one or more falls, and two of them (5.0%) had fractures during the follow-up period. The fall group had more swollen joints and took more antihypertensives and/or diuretics. The fall group also had lower postural stability and tended to have reduced physical performance. The one-leg standing time was shorter, and the step-up-and-down test score was lower in the fall group. The sway area was larger in the fall group.

Discussion

Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that number of swollen joints, use of antihypertensives or diuretics, shorter time standing on one foot, and the sway area were the most significant parameters associated with falls.

Conclusion

We concluded that fall rates in RA patients were higher than in the general population and that balance impairment or side effects of drugs may play a role in increasing the risk of falls.
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Metadata
Title
Incidence and risk factors of falling in ambulatory patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective 1-year study
Authors
M. Hayashibara
H. Hagino
H. Katagiri
T. Okano
J. Okada
R. Teshima
Publication date
01-11-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Osteoporosis International / Issue 11/2010
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-009-1150-4

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