Falls and Related Factors in Female Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: Falls are associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and loss of function. It has been shown that the risk of falls is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of falls in female RA patients and its association with clinical data, disease-related outcomes, functionality, and balance. Materials and Methods: Ninety-four female patients included in this cross sectional observational study. The following were recorded: age, disease duration, body mass index, visual analog scale (0-100 mm), medication, disease activity score-28, Health Assessment Questionnaire, 6-meter walking time, Berg balance scale (BBS), use of a walking aid, and lower extremity arthritis. Patients were asked about falling in the past 12 months. In addition, it was questioned whether the patients had a fear of falling. The relationship between falls and patient data was investigated. Data on patients with and without a history of falling were compared. Results: Ninety patients completed this study. Thirty percent of the patients had at least one fall in the last 12 months, and 52% had a fear of falling. Falls were correlated positively with balance problems. There was a significant difference in age, fear of falling, and BBS values between the patients with and without a history of falling. There were no differences in disease activity, pain, body mass index, medications, and functional parameters. Conclusion: Awareness should be raised about falling in patients with RA. We suggest that balance should be evaluated to predict fall risk in patients with RA. Elderly patients with RA need to be followed more carefully, as falls will increase with age. Since the risk of osteoporosis is higher in RA, precautions should be taken to prevent falling and any problems it may cause.