Falling and fall risk in adult patients with severe haemophilia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to define fall rates and to identify possible fall risk factors in adult patients with severe haemophilia. Patients, material, methods: 147 patients with severe haemophilia A and B were evaluated using a standardized test battery consisting of demographic, medical and clinical variables and fall evaluation. Results: 41 (27.9 %) patients reported a fall in the past 12 months, 22 (53.7 %) of them more than once. Young age, subjective gait insecurity and a higher number of artificial joints seem to be risk factors for falling. Conclusion: Falls seem to be a common phenomenon in patients with severe haemophilia. Fall risk screening and fall prevention should be implemented into daily practice.