Association Between Cancer-Related Fatigue and Falls in Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Results of a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey From the East German Study Group for Hematology and Oncology (OSHO #97)

Abstract

Objective: This study retrospectively examined the association between cancer-related fatigue (CrF) and the number of falls during the last 12 months in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Methods: A multicenter, 1-time anonymous survey was conducted using analog and digital questionnaires. Sex-stratified multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate the association between CrF and number of falls. All analyses were adjusted for age, school education, body mass index, MPN subtype, and quality of life. Results: The final sample comprised 688 patients (mean age 57.4 ± 13.8, 62.4% women). The fall rate was 16.2% in women and 12.2% in men ( P = .153). There were no differences between women and men in terms of CrF between individuals with more than 1 fall, whereas women with 1 fall had a higher CrF compared to those without a fall (RRR = 1.019; 95% CI [1.002-1.039]), respectively. Conclusion: CrF increases the risk of falls in women with MPN. Physicians should evaluate and manage CrF symptoms and implement fall prevention strategies for those who are at increased risk. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of CrF on gait performance and associated fall risk.

Physical exercise recommendations for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia based on individual preferences identified in a large international patient survey study of the East German Study Group for Hematology and Oncology (OSHO #97)

“…In addition, fatigue is often associated with memory and concentration problems ( 36 ). Recent data suggest that fatigue and concentration problems are independent predictors of falls in MPN patients ( 37 ). PE recommendations should likewise consider weight gain/obesity and skin reactions.…”

“…Patients at risk of infection who participate in group exercise should avoid direct contact with others, disinfect their hands, and wear a face mask. Because preliminary data suggest that fatigue and concentration problems may be independent risk factors for falls, along with older age and higher BMI ( 37 ), CML patients who combine one or more predictors should consider fall prevention strategies, e.g., poles when walking. Integrating balance exercises into circuit training or performing short, independent training sessions with coordination exercises is also possible.…”

Physical exercise recommendations for patients with polycythemia vera based on preferences identified in a large international patient survey study of the East German Study Group for Hematology and Oncology (OSHO #97)

“… Note : Higher age, overweight, fatigue or concentration problems are independent risk factors for falls 23 . Recommendations: (in addition) coordination training incl.…”

“…Increasing PA, also in the form of daily activities, could help patients with PV regulate their body weight. This in turn might have a positive effect on symptom burden 26 and reduce the risk of falls 16,23 . In addition, it is known that in patients with MPN, QoL increases with higher activity levels, 27 and the likelihood of anxiety and depression decreases 12 …”

“…This in turn might have a positive effect on symptom burden 26 and reduce the risk of falls. 16,23 In addition, it is known that in patients with MPN, QoL increases with higher activity levels, 27 and the likelihood of anxiety and depression decreases. 12 3.6.2 | Exercise recommendations When using targeted movement interventions to alleviate symptoms, patients with PV should focus attention on fatigue and pain.…”