The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum levels, and of the length of time on hemodialysis (LTH) to discriminate falling from non-falling patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) under hemodialysis treatment. We conducted a cross sectional study on 64 patients with an average age of 44.2±14.8 years. Anthropometric data, PTH serum level, history, and risk of falls (FES-I), LTH, and level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ) were collected. We found elevated PTH serum levels in 64.1% of the patients, and 17.2% reported a history of falls in the last year. The average LTH was 50.3±37.5 months. A low level of physical activity was detected in 64.1% of the patients. There was also positive correlation between PTH and LTH (r=0.47, p<0.001). No correlation was found between the FES-I and PTH (p<0.131), between the FES-I and the LTH (p<0.153) or between the PTH (low value/normal <450 pg/mL and high value >450 pg/mL) and the risk of falling (falling and non-falling patients) (p<0.158). In this study, the FES-I instrument was capable of discriminating fallers from non-fallers on hemodialysis. We conclude that the FES-I showed good performance in discerning fallers from non-fallers; however, no association was observed between falling patients with PTH serum levels and the LTH.
parathyroid hormone; bone remodeling; renal dialysis
