Frailty, Cardiovascular Function and Risk of Falling in Patients Receiving Haemodialysis Treatment

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) is much greater than in the general population. 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 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 balance deficits 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 explore the relative importance of selected exercise-modifiable risk factors for falling amongst patients on HD.