Citation

Zanocchi M, Pilon S, Speme S, Nicola E, Corsinovi L, Ponte E, Cerrato F, Luppino A, Martinelli E, Margolicci A, Molaschi M. Recenti. Prog. Med. 2004; 95(12): 570-574.

Vernacular Title

Le cadute nell'anziano ospedalizzato: incidenza e fattori di rischio.

Affiliation

Dipartimento di Discipline Medico-Chirurgiche, Sezione di Geriatria, Universita, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Battista, Torino.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Pensiero Scientifico Editore)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15666488

Abstract

Aim of the study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for falls in hospitalized elderly patients. In a prospective observational study we investigated the characteristics of 620 elderly patients. We examined demographic variables, cognitive and functional status, main pathologies and drugs. Balance and gait were evaluated by Tinetti's scale. Seventy patients (11.3%) fell during hospitalization. The incidence rate of first falls was 5.2 per 1000 patient-days. Five independent variables were significantly and independently associated to falls: age, balance impairment, acute cognitive impairment, diabetes, and use of tricyclic antidepressants. Falls are common in hospitalized elderly patients and risk factors identification can be useful for a targeted multiple intervention falls prevention programme.