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Are foot and ankle characteristics associated with falls in people with rheumatoid arthritis? A prospective study.

Are foot and ankle characteristics associated with falls in people with rheumatoid arthritis? A prospective study. Thumbnail


Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether foot and ankle characteristics are associated with falls in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Two hundred and one adults with RA were recruited from rheumatology outpatient clinics in Auckland, New Zealand. Clinical characteristics, common fall risk factors, and foot and ankle variables were measured. Participants were prospectively studied for 12 months, to record the occurrence of falls using falls diaries. Logistic regression analysis identified baseline variables which were independent predictors of falls over the 12 months. RESULTS: Eighty-four (42%) participants fell at least once and 39 (19%) experienced multiple (>1) falls over the 12-month follow-up period. In logistic regression analysis, including age and significant baseline variables in bivariate analysis but not baseline fall history, presence of foot or ankle tender joints (odds ratio (OR) 1.95, P=0.034) and psychotropic medication (OR 2.35, P=0.025) were independent predictors of prospective falls. However, when baseline fall history was included in the analysis, psychotropic medication (OR 2.34, P=0.025) and baseline fall history (over the preceding 12 months) (OR 2.27, P=0.008) were independent predictors of prospective falls. CONCLUSION: Foot and ankle characteristics are not associated with falls in people with RA, independent of prior falls. Enquiry about prior falls and psychotropic medications may assist in identifying patients with RA who are at high risk of future falls. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Acceptance Date Oct 18, 2016
Publication Date Oct 21, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Arthritis Care and Research
Print ISSN 2151-464X
Publisher Wiley
Pages 1150-1155
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.23131
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.23131

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