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Citation
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Pérez-Gurbindo I, Angulo Carrere MT, Arribas Cobo P, Puerta M, Ortega M, Jaldo MT, de Sequera P, Alcázar R, Pérez-García R, Álvarez-Méndez AM. Nefrologia 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Postural balance is the result of a complex interaction of sensory input which keeps us upright. Haemodialysis patients have alterations which can lead to postural instability and a risk of falls. Our objective was to analyse postural stability and its relationship with the risk of falls in haemodialysis patients using a force platform.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Postural balance was recorded using a force platform in prevalent haemodialysis patients. We collected epidemiological, dialysis, analytical and treatment data. The incidence of falls was recorded over the 6 months following the tests. The postural stability analysis was performed with a portable strain gauge platform (AMTI AccuGait®) and a specific software unit for stabilometry (Balance Trainer® program). We measured 31 balance parameters; the balance variables used were: Area95; AreaEffect; VyMax; Xrange and Yrange. The stabilometry studies were performed in 3 situations: with eyes open; with eyes closed; and with the patient performing a simultaneous task. We performed one study at the start of the dialysis session, and a second study at the end. Stabilometry was measured in a control group under similar conditions.
RESULTS: We studied 32 patients with a mean age of 68 years old; of this group, 20 subjects were male and 12 were female. Their mean weight was 74kg, with a mean BMI of 27.6kg/m2. In the controls, there were no significant differences in the stabilometry between the 3 situations studied. Both pre- and post-haemodialysis, patients with closed eyes showed greater imbalance, and there were significant differences with the other situations and controls. We found a significant increase in instability after the haemodialysis session, and greater instability in the 13 patients with diabetes (P<.05). The 4 patients with hyponatraemia (Na<136mmol/l) had worse balance in the simultaneous task situation (P=.038). Various drugs, such as insulin (P=.022), antiplatelet agents (P=.036) and beta-blockers (P=.029), were associated with imbalance. The 10 patients who suffered falls had greater imbalance, Yrange, Xrange, Area95 and AreaEffect, both pre- and post-haemodialysis (P<.05) than those without falls.
CONCLUSIONS: Haemodialysis patients have alterations which can lead to postural instability and a risk of falls. Prevention programmes which include specific exercises to improve balance could be beneficial in reducing the risk of falls in this population.
Language: en |