Risk of falling in haemodialysis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
“FRAILTY, CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION AND RISK OF FALLING AMONGST PATIENTS RECEIVING HAEMODIALYSIS”
IRAS ID
172633
Contact name
Tobia Zanotto
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Falls and fall-related injuries in elderly people are common worldwide, and ageing populations will further raise the burden and costs. Within the UK, falls have become a major government target, as they have been responsible for increased injuries and hospital admissions in elderly people.
The fall rate amongst patients on haemodialysis (HD) (1.18- 1.76 fall/person-year) is much greater than in the general population (0.32- 0.70 fall/person-year). There are many well established risk factors for falling, many of which are commonly present in patients on HD, including severe loss of muscle mass, high levels of physical inactivity, co-existing medical conditions and a high number of medications.
Nonetheless, the main cause of health complications and death in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is due to cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease may result in suboptimal regulation of blood pressure and heart rate during exercise, dialysis therapy, body transfers, and general activities of daily living. Associated symptoms such as dizziness, generalised fatigue, and muscular weakness, are commonly reported and may further predispose patients on HD to impaired balance and falls.
Despite the evidence of high falls rates in patients on HD and the growing number of elderly patients, falls and their associated risk factors have received little research attention.
The aim of this study therefore is to assess falls risk and explore whether selected risk factors that can be modified with exercise rehabilitation are more important than others determining risk for falling in patients on HD.
Patients undergoing HD therapy will be recruited from the Renal Unit, Monklands Hospital, and will undergo baseline physical function tests, physical activity behaviour monitoring and assessment of cardiovascular function. Falls patterns will be investigated by exploring patients’ clinical records for previous falls and by following them up for 12 months to record any new falls and related circumstances.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
15/WS/0079
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion