T2D, orthostatic hypotension up risks of falls, in-hospital mortality

The risk of falls is higher among sedentary patients and those with lower Timed Up and Go test (TUG), according to a study. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are also at increased risk of falls.

This prospective study of patients admitted to a university hospital examined the association of falls and in-hospital mortality with the presence of orthostatic hypotension and T2D, as well as determined whether the orthostatic hypotension assessed at 1 min or at 3 min could predict falls and mortality.

The researchers assessed the risk of falls using the Morse questionnaire and verified the presence of falls using medical records during hospitalization. They also determined orthostatic hypotension by measuring blood pressure (BP) at three times; orthostatic hypotension was defined as reduction of at least 20 mm Hg in systolic BP or 10 mm Hg in diastolic BP.

Finally, medical records were used to assess hospital mortality.

Orthostatic hypotension was associated with a slower TUG score (12.26 vs 16.08 s). After adjustments, T2D and orthostatic hypotension significantly correlated with 2.7 times higher risk of in-hospital falls and 1.54 times greater odds of in-hospital mortality compared to no T2D and orthostatic hypotension.

Of note, “[t]he association of T2D with orthostatic hypotension significantly increased both the risk of falls and the risk of in-hospital mortality,” the researchers said.