Falls in rheumatoid arthritis: Prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE

to assess the frequency of falls and identify its associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)patients.

METHODS

we conducted a cross-sectional study includingRA patients according to the ACR EULAR criteria 2010. Sociodemographic and disease-related data were collected. Fall risk and balance disorders were evaluated respectively according to the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the Berge Balance Scale (BBS). Foot disability was assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI).

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included. The mean age was 58 years [30-88] with a gender ratio of 0.25. The average disease duration was 11 years [1-47]. Previous falls were found in 25% of the patients, resulting in fractures in 6.3% of them. Only three patients reported a history of fall in the last year with recurrent falls reaching 12.5%. There was a statistically significant association between the occurrence of falls and a prolonged TUG score (p= 0.041) as well as a history of vertigo (p<0.05). Similarly, the risk of falls was more frequent in female RA patients with a prolonged disease duration but without reaching a significant threshold (p=0.05).

CONCLUSION

the study highlighted the frequent risk of falls in patients with RA. Factors associated with fall occurrence involved the number of falls, and a history of vertigo.