Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Primary biliary cirrhosis is associated with falls and significant fall related injury

Lookup NU author(s): Dr James FrithORCiD, Dr Simon Kerr, Dr Lisa Robinson, Katharine Wilton, Jessie Pairman, Professor David Jones, Emerita Professor Julia Newton

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis and autonomic dysfunction are prevalent in the autoimmune liver disease primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Postural hypotension is one consequence of autonomic dysfunction and is a recognized risk factor for falls, which, alongside osteoporosis could lead to significant injury and fractures. Aim: To determine the prevalence and sequelae of falls in PBC and to identify modifiable risk factors. Design: Cross-sectional, geographical, population census of PBC and two control groups: primary sclerosing cholangitis and a community dwelling population. Multidisciplinary falls assessment of a representative group of PBC. Methods: Symptom assessment tools, completed by the three cohorts, determined the prevalence of falls, injuries and associated symptoms. Multidisciplinary assessments, adhering to NICE guidelines, identified modifiable fall associations. Results: Significantly more of the PBC population had fallen (72% P < 0.001) than both control groups. Fifty-five percent had fallen in the last year (P < 0.001), and 22% more than once in the last year (P < 0.01). Seventy percent of PBC fallers were injured, 27% fractured a bone and 19% were admitted to hospital, all significantly more common than controls. Postural dizziness was significantly worse in fallers (P < 0.001), as were balance (P < 0.001) and lower limb strength (P = 0.002). Lower limb strength was independently associated with number of falls in previous year (β = 0.184, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Falls and resultant injury are prevalent in PBC and more common than previously recognized. Addressing postural dizziness, poor balance and lower limb weakness using a multidisciplinary approach has the potential to reduce falls, morbidity and mortality and as a result improve quality of life. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Physicians.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Frith J, Kerr S, Robinson L, Elliott C, Ghazala C, Wilton K, Pairman J, Jones D, Newton J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: QJM

Year: 2010

Volume: 103

Issue: 3

Pages: 153-161

Print publication date: 08/01/2010

ISSN (print): 1460-2725

ISSN (electronic): 1460-2393

Publisher: Oxford University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcp188

DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcp188

PubMed id: 20061369


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share