Citation

Stanmore EK, Oldham J, Skelton DA, O'Neill T, Pilling M, Campbell AJ, Todd C. Arthritis Care Res. (2010) 2013; 65(8): 1251-1258.

Affiliation

1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Workand MAHSC (Manchester Academic Health Science Centre), Jean McFarlane Building, University Place, U.K. M13 9LP. Emma.K.Stanmore@manchester.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/acr.21987

PMID

23436687

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between potential risk factors and falls in community dwelling adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: 1 year follow-up in a prospective cohort study with monthly falls calendars and telephone calls. Lower limb muscle strength, postural stability, number of swollen and tender joints, functional status, history of falling, fear of falling, pain, fatigue, medication and use of steroids were assessed as risk factors for falls. RESULTS: 386 women and 173 menwith RA, aged 18-88 (n=559) completed baseline. 535 participants (96%) completed 1 year follow-up. Bivariate logistic regression showed that falls risk was not associated with age or gender. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a history of multiple falls in the previous 12 months was the most significant predictive risk factor (OR=5.3, 95% CI 2.3 to 12.3). The most significant modifiable risk factors were swollen and tender lower limb joints (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.7), psychotropic medication (OR=1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1) and fatigue (OR=1.13,95% CI 1.02 to 1.2). CONCLUSIONS: Adults with RA are at high risk of falls. In clinical practice high risk falls patients with RA can be identified by asking whether patients have fallen in the past year. Important risk factors highlighted in this study included: swollen and tender lower limb joints; fatigue and use of psychotropic medicines. © 2013 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Language: en