Female Gender and Polypharmacy Results in An Increased Risk of High-Energy Trauma Associated With Falls in Elderly People

Year 2020, , 162 - 168, 19.09.2020

Bülent Yardımcı İsmail Özkaya Yusuf Bayrak

https://doi.org/10.5455/umj.20200610062305

Abstract

Introduction: Falls represent a major clinical problem in the elderly population. Accordingly, the prevention of falls is clinically important in this vulnerable population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics associated with falls and to define a patient subgroup that is at increased risk.
Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients aged ≥65 years, who presented with falls at the Emergency Department of American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from 01/02/2014 to 01/02/2015, were included in this cross-sectional study.
Results: A total of 166 (17%) patients met the study inclusion criteria, comprising 110 (57.2%) females and 56 (33.7%) males. The mean age was 86.2±7.6 (66-105) years. The incidence of high-energy trauma was significantly higher in individuals aged >80 years (t=6.71; p=0.0054). Female gender was associated with an increased risk of high-energy trauma (x²=9.51; p=0.003). The frequency of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and polypharmacy was significantly higher in the high energy trauma group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Women aged >80 years are at an increased risk of falls. Moreover, polypharmacy is associated with falls that lead to high-energy trauma. Healthcare providers should pay particular attention to this patient group to prevent high-energy falls that may lead to temporary or permanent injuries.

Keywords

Elderly, women, falls, injury, trauma

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