Frailty and falls in people living with multiple sclerosis

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Frailty and falls in people living with multiple sclerosis
Creators Name:	Zanotto, T. and Galperin, I. and Mirelman, A. and Yehezkiyahu, S. and Estes, J. and Chen, L. and Regev, K. and Karni, A. and Schmitz-Hübsch, T. and Paul, F. and Lynch, S.G. and Akinwuntan, A.E. and Devos, H. and Hausdorff, J.M. and Sosnoff, J.J.
Abstract:	OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between frailty and history of falls in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Secondary analysis. SETTING: University research laboratories in the United States and Israel. PARTICIPANTS: 118 people with relapsing-remitting MS [age=48.9 years (SD=10.0); 74.6% female; expanded disability status scale (EDSS) range=1.0-6.0] were studied in this cross-sectional analysis. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOMES: A frailty index was calculated from 40 health deficits by following standard validated procedures. The number of falls (12-month history) was recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 33.9%, 29.7%, and 36.4% of participants were classified as non-frail, moderately frail, and severely frail, respectively. The frailty index was significantly correlated (ρ=0.37, p<0.001) with higher scores on the EDSS. In univariable negative binomial regression analysis, the frailty index was associated with a higher number of falls (IRR=3.33, 95%CI[1.85-5.99], p<0.001). After adjustment for age, gender and EDSS, frailty remained strongly associated with history of falls (IRR=2.78, 95%CI[1.51-5.10], p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The current study identifies a significant relationship between frailty and history of falls in MS, independent of age, gender, and disease severity. These findings support the notion that frailty is a syndrome related to, but independent of, disability in MS.
Keywords:	Multiple Sclerosis, Accidental Falls, Aging, Disability, Frailty
Source:	Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
ISSN:	0003-9993
Publisher:	Elsevier
Volume:	103
Number:	5
Page Range:	952-957
Date:	24 November 2021
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.10.025
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

Repository Staff Only: item control page