# Female Gender and Polypharmacy Results in An Increased Risk of High-Energy Trauma Associated With Falls in Elderly People

## Authors

- Bulent Yardimci ([ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0364-8238)) — Istanbul American Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- Ismail Ozkaya ([ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7834-3028)) — Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kirklareli University Health School, Kırklareli, Turkey
- Yusuf Bayrak ([ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1051-1675)) — Department of Thoracic Surgery Consultant, Istanbul American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

## Article information

- **Journal:** The Ulutas Medical Journal (Ulutas Med J), ISSN 2149-388X
- **Issue:** Volume 6, Issue 3 (2020), pages 162–168
- **Article type:** Original Article
- **Published online:** 2020-09-19
- **DOI:** [10.5455/umj.20200610062305](https://doi.org/10.5455/umj.20200610062305)
- **Licence:** [CC BY-NC 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)
- **Article page:** https://www.ulutasmedicaljournal.com/?mno=114079
- **PDF:** https://www.ulutasmedicaljournal.com/pdf/114079.pdf

## Abstract

Introduction: Falls represent a major clinical problem in the elderly population. Accordingly, the prevention of falls is clinically important in this vulnerable population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics associated with falls and to define a patient subgroup that is at increased risk. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients aged ≥65 years, who presented with falls at the Emergency Department of American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from 01/02/2014 to 01/02/2015, were included in this cross-sectional study. Results: A total of 166 (17%) patients met the study inclusion criteria, comprising 110 (57.2%) females and 56 (33.7%) males. The mean age was 86.2±7.6 (66-105) years. The incidence of high-energy trauma was significantly higher in individuals aged >80 years (t=6.71; p=0.0054). Female gender was associated with an increased risk of high-energy trauma (x²≤9.51; p=0.003). The frequency of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and polypharmacy was significantly higher in the high energy trauma group (p80 years are at an increased risk of falls. Moreover, polypharmacy is associated with falls that lead to high-energy trauma. Healthcare providers should pay particular attention to this patient group to prevent high-energy falls that may lead to temporary or permanent injuries.

## Keywords

Elderly; women; falls; injury; trauma

## How to cite

Yardimci B, Ozkaya I, Bayrak Y. Female Gender and Polypharmacy Results in An Increased Risk of High-Energy Trauma Associated With Falls in Elderly People. Ulutas Med J. 2020;6(3):162-168. doi:10.5455/umj.20200610062305

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