Fall Risk and Related Factors in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• Published in: Archives of rheumatology 2017-09, Vol.32 (3), p.216-220
• Main Authors: Bagcier, Fatih, Melikoglu, Meltem Alkan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Estrogen; Falls (Accidents); Lupus; Risk factors; Systemic lupus erythematosus
• ISSN: 2148-5046
• DOI: 10.5606/ArchRheumatol.2017.6079

This study aims to determine the fall risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with an objective computerized technique and to evaluate the potential related risk factors for falls in these patients. A total of 48 female patients (mean age 37.8±12.6 years; range 18 to 65 years) with SLE and 30 female controls (mean age 39.1±15.7 years; range 19 to 66 years) were included. Age, disease duration, anamnesis of falls, fear of falling, and drugs used were recorded. Disease activity (measured with SLE disease activity index Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment modification) and damage (measured with Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index) were evaluated. For the evaluation of fall efficacy, we used the Falls Efficacy Scale International. Fall risk analysis was performed by using a computerized posturography device. Seven patients (15%) had anamnesis of falls during the last 12 months, whereas only one control (3%) had this anamnesis (p=0.042). Fear of falling was reported by 40% of the patients and 30% of the controls (p=0.042). Falls Efficacy Scale International scores were found to be higher in patients than in controls (p=0.042). With the computerized system used, higher fall risk results were recorded in patients than in controls (59.3±29.5 and 35.8±26.9, respectively; p