Postural stability and fall risk in adult patients with familial mediterranean fever

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this study, our purpose was to determine the postural stability and fall risk by an objective computerized technique in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), together with their relevant potential risk factors for falls. METHODS: 45 patients diagnosed with FMF (mean age 31+-10 years; range 17 to 53 years) and 40 healthy controls (mean age 31+-9 years; range 18 to 50 years) were included in the study. We used the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I) for assessment of fall efficacy. The disease severity score was assessed. Stability Index (SI), Weight Distribution Index (WDI), and fall risk analysis were performed by the computerized posturography device. RESULTS: The rate of falls in the last year was higher in the patient group (p<0.05). Significant differences were found between groups regarding SI and WDI values (p<0.05). A higher fall risk was determined in the patient group (p<0.05). However, except female gender, no significant relationships were found between SI, WDI, and fall risk and disease-related factors such as age, body mass index, duration and severity of the disease, the last 1-year fall history, and FES-I (r<0.3, p>0.05). Moreover, while significant positive correlations were determined between all parameters of SI and fall risk (r>0.3, p<0.001), no relationship was found between WDI and fall risk (r<0.3, p>0.05) except close eyes-head extended (HB-WDI) (r= 0.003, p<0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Postural stability was impaired and fall risk increased in FMF. This result might result from FMF disease or many other factors being capable of affecting the balance.

Keywords

• familial mediterranean fever
• postural stability
• fall risk