title: Fall-related risk factors and osteoporosis in women with rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. Whilst numerous studies have demonstrated low bone density in RA, few studies have examined the risk of falling, which is another major contributor to the pathogenesis of fractures (particularly hip fractures).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to see if fall risk is increased in women with RA, define high-risk subgroups, and determine what proportion of women have increased risk of hip fracture due to osteoporosis and due to increased fall risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a case-control study of older women with RA (n = 103) compared with women without RA referred for open access bone densitometry (n = 203). We measured bone density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and fall risk factors (visual acuity, ability to perform standups, and heel-toe walking).
  
  
  RESULTS
  More women with RA gave a history of a previous fall compared with controls (54 vs 44%), although this was just short of being statistically significant (difference 10%, 95% CI -2 to 22). Women with RA were more likely to have abnormal heel-toe walking and inability to perform standups compared with controls (P<0.001); however, visual acuity was similar between cases and controls. Femoral neck osteoporosis was found in 31% and increased fall risk in 68% of women with RA. Women with RA who underperformed in heel-toe walking and were unable to do standups had significantly higher ESR, Health Assessment Questionnaire score and tender joint count. RA symptoms/signs localized to the knees and ankles were more likely to be associated with the presence of fall risk factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fall-related risk factors predictive of hip fracture are common in women with RA. Fall risk needs to be considered when RA patients are being treated for osteoporosis and further work needs to be done to help reduce the risk of falling and fracture in women with RA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton SM5 1AA, UK.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kaz Kaz
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kerry
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Chinappen
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tweed
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000503:physiopathology; D007866:Leg; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking