Objective: To examine baseline characteristics associated with falling in PD using the NET-PD LS-1 dataset.

Background: Recognizing the factors associated with falling in Parkinson’s disease (PD) would improve identification of at-risk individuals.

Methods: The LS-1 database included 1741 PD subjects, followed up to 6 years (median 4 years). Baseline characteristics were tested for an association with post-baseline falling during the trial. All significant variables were then included in a multivariable logistic regression model. A separate analysis investigating baseline factors on the probability of remaining fall-free and on the rate of falling was then conducted by fitting a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) model.

Results: 728 subjects (42%) fell during the trial, including those reporting falls at baseline. A baseline history of falls was the factor most associated with post-baseline falling. Male sex was associated with a lower risk of falls, but there was an interaction of age by sex such that males were less likely to fall compared to females until age 80, after which they were more likely to fall. Novel baseline factors associated with post-baseline falling included the ambulatory capacity score, SSRI use, and total functional capacity (TFC). Based on the ZIP model, the odds of remaining fall-free was most associated with baseline lower ambulatory capacity score and male sex.

Conclusions: The biggest risk factor for falls in PD remains a history of falling, but the ambulatory capacity score, TFC, and SSRI use are novel factors associated with falling. A significant age by sex interaction may explain why age is an inconsistent risk factor for falls in PD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/factors-associated-with-falling-in-early-treated-parkinsons-disease-the-net-pd-ls1-cohort/