Use of Sertraline in Hemodialysis Patients

Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) and may correlate with lower quality of life and increased mortality. Depression treatment in HD patients is still a challenge both for nephrologists and psychiatrists. The possible treatment of depressive disorders can be pharmacological and non-pharmacological. In our article, we focus on the use of sertraline, the medication which seems to be relatively safe and efficient in the abovementioned population, taking under consideration several limitations regarding the use of other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In our paper, we discuss different aspects of sertraline use, taking into consideration possible benefits and side effects of drug administration like impact on QTc (corrected QT interval) prolongation, intradialytic hypotension (IDH), chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP), bleeding, sexual functions, inflammation, or fracture risk. Before administering the medication, one should consider benefits and possible side effects, which are particularly significant in the treatment of ESRD patients; this could help to optimize clinical outcomes. Sertraline seems to be safe in the HD population when provided in proper doses. However, we still need more studies in this field since the ones performed so far were usually based on small samples and lacked placebo control.

Patients' Intensive Telephone-Based Care Program Reduces Depression in Coronary Artery Disease Patients and May Contribute to Favorable Overall Survival by Decreasing Depression

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of patients' intensive telephone-based care program (PITC) on depression and its correlation with overall survival in patients with coronary artery disease who have depression.

METHODS

A total of 224 patients with coronary artery disease who were complicated with depression were allocated randomly to the PITC group and control group in a 1:1 ratio. In the PITC group, PITC and usual care were performed, whereas in the control group, only usual care was given. Depression was assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression (HADS-D) score and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score.

RESULTS

No difference in baseline characteristics was found between the PITC and control groups (all P > .05). There were changes the HADS-D score (P = .002) and SDS score (P = .019) from baseline (M0) to month 12 (M12) in the PITC group. Those in the PITC group had a reduced depression rate (assessed by HADS-D score <8 at month 12) (P = .005). As for overall survival analysis, Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that overall survival was numerically longer in the PITC group compared with the control group but displayed no statistical significance (P = .061), whereas patients without depression at month 12 presented with better overall survival compared with patients with depression at month 12, as assessed by HADS-D (P = .041) or SDS (P = .014).

CONCLUSIONS

A PITC could serve as an effective means to decrease depression, and it might contribute to favorable overall survival by decreasing depression in patients with coronary artery disease.

Chinese Herbal Medicines and Conventional Chronic Heart Failure Treatment for the Management of Chronic Heart Failure Complicated with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Combination therapy with Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and conventional medical treatment (CMT) was proposed as a therapeutic strategy for chronic heart failure (CHF) patients complicated with depression. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess effects of this combination therapy on CHF complicated with depression.

METHODS

RCTs comparing the combination of CHMs and CMT to CMT were retrieved in seven electrical databases till March 30, 2019. The effective rate of cardiac function and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) were marked as the primary outcomes. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) were marked as the secondary outcomes. The methodological quality of eligible RCTs used the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. Stata 13.0 and Review Manager 5.3 were preferred for synthesizing the results if the results were appropriate.

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs enrolling 1022 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the retrieved RCTs were evaluated to be of low methodological quality. The pooled results of the meta-analysis showed that CHMs plus CMT group created better outcomes compared to CMT alone therapy, as evidenced by the fact that the overall effects of combination therapy strategy were significantly greater than the control group in increasing effective rate of cardiac function (risk ratio (RR) = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.42), in improving depressive symptoms (HAMD) (standard mean difference (SMD) = -1.31; 95% CI: -1.68 to -0.95) and quality of life (MLHFQ) (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -8.42; 95% CI: -10.08 to -6.76), in increasing LVEF scores (WMD = 5.33; 95% CI: 4.30 to 6.35).

CONCLUSION

The combination of CHMs and CMT increased the effective rate of cardiac function and LVEF scores and reduced HAMD and MLHFQ scale scores, which was a potential therapeutic strategy that improved the management of CHF patients complicated with depression. Future trials were needed to verify the above results since abnormal heterogeneity and poor quality of literature have existed in the included studies.

Saudi Heart Association (SHA) guidelines for the management of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and negatively impacts quality of life, healthcare costs, and longevity. Although data on HF in the Arab population are scarce, recently developed regional registries are a step forward to evaluating the quality of current patient care and providing an overview of the clinical picture. Despite the burden of HF in Saudi Arabia, there are currently no standardized protocols or guidelines for the management of patients with acute or chronic heart failure. Therefore, the Heart Failure Expert Committee, comprising 13 local specialists representing both public and private sectors, has developed guidelines to address the needs and challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of HF in Saudi Arabia. The ultimate aim of these guidelines is to assist healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care and standardized clinical practice across Saudi Arabia.

Neuroimmune Mechanisms of Depression in Adults with Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a major and costly public health concern, and its prognosis is grim-with high hospitalization and mortality rates. HF affects millions of individuals across the world, and this condition is expected to become "the epidemic" of the twenty-first century (Jessup et al., 2016). It is well documented that individuals with HF experience disproportionately high rates of depression and that those who are depressed have worse clinical outcomes than their nondepressed counterparts. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the study of depression in HF, and how psychoneuroimmunologic principles have been applied to further elucidate mechanisms (i.e., neurohormonal and cytokine activation) linking these comorbid disorders.

The underrated prevalence of depression in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis - evidence from a Nationwide survey in Japan

Background

To determine the prevalence of depression among Japanese people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore the relationships between depression and an array of variables.

Methods

Nation-wide, cross-sectional online survey (n = 500) of people with RA including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure the presence and severity of depressive symptoms were performed.

Results

While only 5% of the population studied had been officially diagnosed with depression, 35% had PHQ-9 scores indicating depression was present. People with RA are more likely to experience depression if they are younger, have greater functional impairment, or whose treatment regimen includes pain medications not biologic agents.

Conclusions

It is a potential risk of under-diagnosis and under-reporting of depression in Japanese people with RA. People with RA are more likely to experience depression if they are younger, have greater functional impairment, or whose treatment regimen includes pain medications without biologic drugs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s41927-017-0003-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors affecting nurses' intent to assess for depression in heart failure patients

The association between depression and cardiovascular disease has been well established and has been shown to decrease patients' quality of life and increase the risk of mortality, frequency and duration of hospitalization, and health care costs. The inpatient setting provides a potentially valuable opportunity to assess and treat depression among patients with acute cardiac illness, allowing for daily monitoring of treatment side effects. Although systematic depression screening appears to be feasible, efficient, and well accepted on inpatient cardiac units, the current lack of consistent inpatient assessment for depression in heart failure patients suggests the presence of barriers influencing the effective diagnosis and treatment of depression among inpatients with heart failure. The theory of planned behavior describes the cognitive mechanism by which behavioral intent is formed, giving some insight into how nurses' attitudes and beliefs affect their performance of routine depression screening. In addition, application of this cognitive theory suggests that nurses may be influenced to adopt more positive attitudes and beliefs about depression through educational intervention, leading to greater likelihood of routine assessment for depression, ultimately leading to more timely diagnosis and treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Depression in heart failure: Intricate relationship, pathophysiology and most updated evidence of interventions from recent clinical studies

Heart failure (HF) is a burgeoning chronic health condition affecting more than 20million people worldwide. Patients with HF have a significant (17.1%) 30-day readmission rate, which invites substantial penalty in payment to hospitals from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as per the newly introduced Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. Depression is one of the important risk factors for readmission in HF patients. It has a significant prevalence in patients with HF and contributes to the overall poor quality of life in them. Several behavioral (smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and medication noncompliance) and pathophysiological factors (hypercortisolism, elevated inflammatory biomarkers, fibrinogen, and atherosclerosis) have been found responsible for the adverse outcome in patients with HF and concomitant depression. Hippocampal volume loss noted in patients with acute HF exacerbations may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in them. Screening for depression in HF patients continues to be challenging due to a considerable overlap in symptoms. Published trials on the use of antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown variable outcomes. Newer modalities like internet-based CBT have been tried in small studies, with promising results. A recent meta-analysis observed the beneficial role of aerobic exercise training in patients with HFrEF. Future long-term prospective studies may contribute to the formulation of a detailed screening and management guideline for patients with HF and depression. Our review is aimed to summarize the intricate relationship between depression and heart failure, with respect to their epidemiology, pathophysiological aspects, and optimal management approach.

Differential pathways of positive and negative health behavior change in congestive heart failure patients

This longitudinal study applied a stress and coping model to examine the differential pathways of perceived positive and negative health behavior changes. Participants with congestive heart failure completed self-report measures of psychological resources, coping strategies, and perceived behavior changes and were assessed again 6 months later. Patients with higher positive affect and spiritual well-being reported more positive health behavior changes over time, effects mediated by approach coping. Alternatively, patients with lower psychological resources reported more negative behavior changes over time, effects mediated by avoidance coping. The results suggest that different psychological resources are related to different types of coping which, in turn, are associated with perceived positive or negative changes in health behavior over time.

[Prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalized elderly medical patients]

INTRODUCTION

Depressive symptoms in hospitalized patients are very common, and they have been related to higher mortality. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalized elderly patients and its relationship to various diseases, as well as their functional and mental status and mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 115 patients over 64 years of age were prospectively studied. The validated Spanish version of the Geriatric Depression Scale of Yesavage (15-item version) was used. Patients were considered to have depressive symptoms if ≥6 points were obtained. The demographic characteristics, the Charlson comorbidity index, the diagnosis at admission, the functional status assessed by the Barthel and Lawton-Brodie index, the mental capacity assessed by the Pfeiffer questionnaire, the length of the hospital stay, and hospital mortality were recorded.

RESULTS

Out of the 115 patients studied, with a mean age of 70.5 years, 71 (61.7%) were female. Depressive symptoms were observed in 46 patients (40%, 95% CI:34.8-43.9). Patients who died showed a significantly higher score on the Yesavage scale (P=.04). The multivariate analysis showed a significantly independent association between depressive symptoms and functional capacity (P=.026), mental status (P=.021), renal failure (P=.001), liver disease (P=.018), and osteoarthritis (P=.017), but losing the previously seen significant association with diabetes (P=.43).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalized elderly patients is high, and is associated with the diagnoses of renal failure, liver disease and osteoarthritis, with a higher comorbidity and especially with a poorer functional capacity.

Association of antidepressant and atypical antipsychotic use with cardiovascular events and mortality in a veteran population

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the patterns of antidepressant and atypical antipsychotic use in a veteran population with depression, and to determine if an association exists between specific antidepressant classes and atypical antipsychotics and the occurrence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Primary care clinic at a Veterans Affairs hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 1136 patients diagnosed with depression who were receiving antidepressant monotherapy (664 patients) or no antidepressant therapy (472 patients [controls]) between June 2009 and December 2010.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Data on patient demographics, disease diagnoses, laboratory data, and drug therapy profiles were collected through medical record review. Of the 1136 patients, the mean patient age was 61 years, 90% were men, and 77% were smokers. Mean body mass index was 30.4 kg/m(2) , blood pressure 126/73 mm Hg, hemoglobin A1c 6%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level 106.7 mg/dl, and Framingham score 17. Patients receiving antidepressant monotherapy were grouped according to antidepressant class; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were most common. Concomitant use of atypical antipsychotics was more common with the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (venlafaxine), SSRI, and serotonin receptor antagonist (trazodone) classes (p=0.0067). After adjusting for demographics, concomitant drugs, and comorbidities, SSRI use was significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.71, p=0.0028). Notably, noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (mirtazapine) use was significantly associated with higher prevalence of heart failure (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.029-10.38, p=0.0445). Use of atypical antipsychotics was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular events (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.29-3.83, p=0.0036) and all-cause mortality (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.03-4.1, p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Our results favor treatment of depression with SSRIs among patients at increased cardiovascular risk due to the potential mortality benefit of this class of drugs. Atypical antipsychotics should be used with caution in the elderly population. Mirtazapine use in patients with heart failure and depression deserves further investigation.

Neuroimmune mechanisms of depression in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a major and costly public health concern, and its prognosis is grim-with high hospitalization and mortality rates. It is well documented that HF patients experience disproportionately high rates of depression and that depressed HF patients have worse clinical outcomes than their non-depressed counterparts. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the study of depression in HF, and how psychoneuroimmunologic principals have been applied to further elucidate the mechanisms (i.e., neurohormonal and cytokine activation) linking these co-morbid disorders.

Psychological distress in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation: the state of the science

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a life-complicating illness adversely affecting morbidity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and healthcare use. Studies using HRQOL instruments suggest that patients diagnosed with AF experience more psychological distress than do healthy controls. Psychological distress in forms of anxiety and depression in patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease is related to increased mortality, morbidity, and consumption of healthcare. However, there is a critical lack of knowledge regarding the type and extent of psychological distress and its consequences in patients diagnosed with AF. This article will review the current state of scientific knowledge regarding psychological distress in patients with AF and offer suggestions for future studies. Medline, CINAHL, PscyhInfo, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection databases up to June 2009 were reviewed for key terms atrial fibrillation, psychological distress, affective distress, mood, emotional distress, psychological stress, negative affect, anxiety, depression, anger, and hostility. Ten studies using tested instruments to measure psychological distress were retained. The prevalence of psychological distress was not consistently reported. Combined findings revealed that psychological distress in the form of depression and/or anxiety uniquely contributed to greater AF symptom severity, diminished HRQOL, and recurrence of AF. Studies describing interventions to address psychological distress were not found. Lack of conceptual clarity and diversity of study purposes, designs, participants, and instruments limit the ability to draw coherent conclusions from findings. Nevertheless, findings suggest that psychological distress is present in a substantial portion of patients diagnosed with AF and its presence is related to adverse outcomes. Further study to identify the prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of psychological distress in patients diagnosed with AF is required to extend our knowledge and provide a foundation for development of interventions to address psychological distress in this rapidly increasing population.

Challenges for co-morbid chronic illness care and policy in Australia: a qualitative study

Background

In response to the escalating burden of chronic illness in Australia, recent health policies have emphasised the promotion of patient self-management and better preventive care. A notable omission from these policies is the acknowledgment that patients with chronic illness tend to have co-morbid conditions. Our objectives were: to identify the common challenges co-morbidity poses to patients and carers in their experiences of self-management; to detail the views and perceptions of health professionals about these challenges; and to discuss policy options to improve health care for people with co-morbid chronic illness. The method included semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 129 purposively sampled participants. Participants were people with Type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or chronic heart failure as well as carers and health care professionals. Content analysis of the interview data was conducted using NVivo7 software.

Results

Patients and their carers found co-morbidity influenced their capacity to manage chronic illness in three ways. First, co-morbidity created barriers to patients acting on risk factors; second, it complicated the process of recognising the early symptoms of deterioration of each condition, and third, it complicated their capacity to manage medication.

Conclusion

Findings highlight challenges that patients with multiple chronic conditions face in relation to preventive care and self-management. Future clinical policy initiatives need to move away from single illness orientation toward strategies that meet the needs of people with co-morbid conditions and strengthen their capacity to self-manage. These patients will benefit directly from specialised education and services that cater to the needs of people with clusters of co-morbidities.

Sertraline-Induced Rhabdomyolysis in an Elderly Patient with Dementia and Comorbidities

Objective:

To describe a case of sertraline-induced rhabdomyolysis in an elderly patient with dementia and comorbidities.

Case Summary:

A 71-year-old woman visited a psychiatrist in September 2007 for her depressed mood. Her medical history included vascular dementia accompanied by depression, arterial hypertension, and heart failure, as well as cardiac pacemaker implantation several years earlier for severe bradyarrythmia. She had begun taking amisulpride 50 mg/day and diazepam 2 mg at bedtime 6 months prior to the psychiatrist appointment, with poor relief of her depressed mood. Her drug therapy also included nicergoline 30 mg/day, amlodipine 5 mg/day, aspirin 100 mg/day, candesartan 16 mg/day, and atenolol 25 mg/day. At this psychiatrist visit, sertraline 50 mg/day was added for her depression, and was continued after a geriatrician visit in October. Her mood improved significantly. On December 18, 2007, she was admitted to the cardiology unit to undergo a pacemaker replacement. Laboratory tests revealed creatine kinase (CK) 7952 IU/L, lactate dehydrogenase 1021 IU/L, myoglobin 2322 U/L, and aspartate aminotransferase 362 IU/L, resulting in a diagnosis of iatrogenic rhabdomyolysis. Amisulpride and sertraline were discontinued. On December 24, serum CK was 839 IU/L and myoglobin was 91 U/L and the patient was discharged. On January 22, laboratory tests showed normal values of CK, CK-MB, and myoglobin. Sertraline 50 mg/day was again prescribed for the patient's persistent depressed mood. Fifteen days later, blood tests showed CK 1327 IU/L and myoglobin 324 U/L; therefore, the drug was discontinued. CK and myoglobin levels normalized a week later. On April 2, escitalopram was started. At time of writing, there was no evidence of any increase in CK, myoglobin, or other markers of rhabdomyolysis.

Discussion:

The Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable relationship between sertraline treatment and the onset of rhabdomyolysis. No relationship between amisulpride and rhabdomyolysis was found. Furthermore, rechallenge with sertraline caused CK and myoglobin to again increase, which was reversed following a discontinuation of sertraline. The patient's other comorbidities and medications have not been suggested as possible interactions with sertraline that can cause rhabdomyolysis. Genetic defects of sertraline demethylation and/or P-glycoprotein binding or concurrent circumstances may explain the onset of rhabdomyolysis in this particular patient.

Conclusions:

This patient's rhabdomyolysis was probably induced by sertraline therapy.