Postural stability and fall risk in systemic sclerosis patients

This study aims to objectively assess the fall risk and postural balance status of systemic sclerosis (SS) patients and investigate its association with various clinical findings.

The cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 and September 2020. The study included 14 patients (12 females, 2 males; mean age: 48.4±12.3 years; range, 21 to 63 years) diagnosed with SS and a control group of 20 healthy volunteers (17 females, 3 males; mean age: 46.8±9.0 years; range, 25 to 60 years). Demographic and clinical data of the participants were noted. Results of anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-Scl-70 antibodies were recorded. The fall index, indicating fall risk, was determined using a posturography device, and postural stability measurements were performed. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International was used to evaluate fall activity. The modified Rodnan skin score was used to assess the degree of cutaneous involvement in SS.

Fall index results were higher in the SS group (p<0.05). The rate of falls in the past year among SS patients was 7.1%. The SS group showed deviations from the normal population in the postural measurement when eyes closed on a solid surface in normal position with the stability index, eyes closed on a pillow with the stability index, and eyes closed on a solid surface with the head tilted 30° forward with the weight distribution index (p<0.05). Fear of falling scores were higher in diffuse-type SS compared to limited-type SS (p<0.01). No differences were observed in other parameters.

This study revealed impaired postural balance and increased fall risk in SS patients compared to the normal population. Evaluation of postural balance and fall risk in SS patients should be done in the early period, and necessary treatments should be applied.