Use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors is not associated with increased bleeding after CABG

The pathophysiology and management of depression in cardiac surgery patients

Background

Depression is common in the cardiac surgery population. This contemporary narrative review aims to explore the main pathophysiological disturbances underpinning depression specifically within the cardiac surgery population. The common non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies used to manage depression within the cardiac surgery patient population are also explored.

Methods

A total of 1291 articles were identified through Ovid Medline and Embase. The findings from 39 studies were included for qualitative analysis in this narrative review.

Results

Depression is associated with several pathophysiological and behavioral factors which increase the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease which may ultimately require surgical intervention. The main pathophysiological factors contributing to depression are well characterized and include autonomic nervous system dysregulation, excessive inflammation and disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. There are also several behavioral factors in depressed patients associated with the development of coronary heart disease including poor diet, insufficient exercise, poor compliance with medications and reduced adherence to cardiac rehabilitation. The common preventative and management modalities used for depression following cardiac surgery include preoperative and peri-operative education, cardiac rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, religion/prayer/spirituality, biobehavioral feedback, anti-depressant medications, and statins.

Conclusion

This contemporary review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to depression following cardiac surgery and the current management modalities. Further studies on the preventative and management strategies for postoperative depression in the cardiac surgery patient population are warranted.

Association between selective serotonin and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor therapy and hematuria

BACKGROUND

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used as first-line treatment for many psychiatric diseases, especially major depressive disorder. However, an important side effect of these drugs is the risk of bleeding due to platelet dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hematuria in patients using SSRI/SNRIs and to compare with a control group.

METHODS

This study included patients who were followed up and treated with SSRI/SNRI in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the Antalya Medical Park Hospital between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021 and a control group comprising patients who presented to the medical check-up outpatient clinic between the same dates. Complete urinalysis was performed for all patients and the results were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Each group included 100 patients with a female/male ratio of 1. The mean age was 41.45 ± 13.47 (16-74) years in the study group and 40.51 ± 13.75 (20-70) years in the control group (p = 0.519). Mean duration of SSRI/SNRI use in the study group was 13.35 ± 1.32 (1-64) months. The prevalence of hematuria was 17% in the SSRI/SNRI group and 6% in the control group (p = 0.015). All cases of hematuria were microscopic hematuria.

CONCLUSION

Hematuria is significantly more common in patients receiving SSRI/SNRI treatment. The use of SSRI/SNRI should also be taken into account when investigating the etiology of hematuria.