Risk of falls in chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is known to be an important risk factor for accidental, low-energy falls especially among elder individuals. The high incidence of falls is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with a substantial annual cost. Patients suffering from CKD are more prone to fall and develop fractures than the general population. Multiple risk factors have been identified and analyzed in order to explain this fact, such as drug combination, diabetes mellitus, orthostatic hypotension, vitamin D deficiency, sarcopenia and anemia, all very common in CKD. In this mini review of published evidence, we tried to search and present a complete aspect of the problem called 'Falls in Chronic Kidney Disease', focusing especially on the risk factors, discussing each one separately and its association with low- energy falls. Concluding, we discuss potential therapies and treatment goals based on the pathophysiology of CKD and accidental falls and propose new fields of investigation.