Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

The Newcastle University research output collection, currently available on ePrints, will shortly be moving to a new open repository platform, Figshare. To prepare for the data migration we have paused adding new content to ePrints, and will resume once the new repository is launched. During this time you will continue to have access to ePrints (but no new content will appear). We will share updates here when available.

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

Lookup NU author(s): Dr James FrithORCiD, Sandra Kerr, Dr Lisa Robinson, Chris Elliott, Katharine Wilton, Jessie Pairman, Professor David Jones

Downloads

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

Abstract

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 (beta = 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.

Publication metadata

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

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: QJM: An International Journal of Medicine

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

Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric

Share