Researchers of a recent population-based study of 447 adults with validated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—40.9% ≥50 years; 91.7% female; 82.6% Black—examined fall prevalence and contributors. Participants self-reported 12-month falls, injuries requiring care, and perceived causes; analyses used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and race. Overall, 30.7% fell and 19.2% fell twice or more. Common contributors were loss of balance (78.1%), slipping/tripping (64.2%), and weakness (53.3%). Age and sex were not associated with falls, while better physical performance was protective (age-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–0.87).
Higher SLE activity (aOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.44–2.21), greater damage (aOR 1.22; 95% CI 1.00–1.49), and more depressive symptoms (aOR 1.43; 95% CI 1.14–1.80) were linked to higher odds of falling. Use of fall-risk–increasing medications—antidepressants (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.13–2.93), pain medications (aOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.68–4.00), and especially opioids (aOR 4.52; 95% CI 2.39–8.56)—was also associated with increased risk. These results suggest practical strategies: tighter control of disease activity; referral to physical therapy; routine depression screening and treatment; and structured medication review, especially analgesics and psychotropics, to reduce modifiable fall risk.
Reference: Perfect CR, Bowling CB, Lim SS, et al. Falls Among Individuals With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Observational Study. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2025;7(9):e70098. doi: 10.1002/acr2.70098.
Link: https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr2.70098
