Survival in hemodialysis patients: the role of depression

Effect of psychosocial interventions for depression in adults with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with dialysis are frequently affected by depression. Psychotherapy has been reported to decrease depressive symptoms in various chronic diseases and is a potential treatment option for depression. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of psychotherapy on depression in adults with CKD.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane for published studies up to October 31, 2023. Two investigators independently reviewed the included studies and extracted relevant data. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of interventions that provide psychological, emotional, or social support without the use of pharmacological substances on depressive symptoms in people with CKD were included and summarized. Scores on different tools for depressive assessment and quality of life were pooled.

RESULTS

A total of 19 RCTs published between 2004 and 2023 were included and analyzed. The weighted mean difference (WMD) for all included studies with regard to depression was - 2.32 (95%CI=-3.83, -0.80, P = 0.003). The WMD for Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score of depression was - 3.27 (95%CI=-7.81, 1.27, P = 0.158) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95.1%). Significant WMD was detected for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) tool: WMD=-1.90, 95%CI=-2.91, -0.90, P < 0.001. The WMD for all included studies regarding quality of life was 1.21 (95%CI=-0.51, 2.93, P = 0.168). The WMD for Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) score was 4.55 (95%CI = 0.50, 8.60, P = 0.028). The WMD for SF-36 score was 0.02 (95%CI=-10.33, 10.36, P = 0.998). Significant difference on outcomes of S-PRT scale was observed (WMD = 2.42, 95%CI = 1.07, 3.76, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial interventions probably reduce the depression level among CKD patients. Preliminary evidence suggests that psychosocial interventions might be beneficial for the quality of life in CKD patients. Our results provide medical facilities with an evidence-based basis for establishing psychosocial interventions in kidney care settings.

Depression and death anxiety among patients undergoing hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Palestine: a cross sectional study

Background

Hemodialysis patients are vulnerable to serious complications such as prolonged hospital stay and psychosocial issues like depression and death anxiety. Studies on psychosocial factors on end-stage renal disease patients' outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic are limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and death anxiety among Palestinian hemodialysis patients and the evaluate the relationship between their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique. We recruited 308 hemodialysis patients from five hemodialysis units located in government hospitals in Palestine. Beck Depression Inventory and the Templers Death Anxiety Scale were used to collect data, which were then analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and means), t-test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were used for data analysis.

Results

Nearly 66.2% of the sample had depression symptoms, 61.4% met the diagnostic threshold for depression, and 69.8% had death anxiety. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed that having a female identity, residing in a city or refugee camp, and patients who reported not experiencing depression had a significant relationship with death anxiety, while having a higher educational level than 12 years, having one or more chronic co-morbidities, and patients who reported experiencing death anxiety had a significant correlation with depression.

Conclusion

Patients receiving hemodialysis frequently experience depression and death anxiety. These patients should receive a psychiatric evaluation in the early stages of their illness so that timely and appropriate psychological interventions can be given in hemodialysis facilities in Palestine during and after future pandemics.

Global research trends and mapping knowledge structure of depression in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Depression is one of the most common and important psychological issues faced by dialysis patients. It can make it more difficult for them to adhere to their treatment regimen, which, in turn, can worsen their physical symptoms and lead to poorer health outcomes.

AIM

To examine the evolution and growth of publications related to dialysis and depression. The objectives were to identify the number of publications, the top active countries, the contributed institutions, funding agencies and journals, as well as to perform citation and research theme analysis.

METHODS

The search was conducted using the Scopus database for publications related to dialysis and depression between 1970 and 2022. Subsequently, bibliometric analysis was carried out on the data obtained using VOSviewer software, version 1.6.9. This analysis included visualization analysis, co-occurrence analysis and examination of publication trends in dialysis and depression.

RESULTS

We identified 800 publications that met the search criteria. The number of publications related to dialysis and depression has increased significantly in the past two decades. The USA led the way with 144 publications, which is 18% of all publications on this topic. Turkey came second with 88 publications (11%), followed by China with 55 publications (6.88%) and Iran with 52 publications (6.5%). Analysis of the research theme identified three main clusters related to gender differences in prevalence, identification of depression as a risk factor, and effective interventions to relieve depression. Future research direction analysis shows a shift toward effective interventions to relieve depression in dialysis patients.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive overview of growth, trends and research themes related to dialysis and depression that could help researchers identify gaps in the literature and develop future research.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on illness perceptions, coping, self-efficacy, psychological distress and quality of life

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) negatively impacts psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL). Underpinned by the Common Sense Model (CSM), this study evaluated the potential mediating role of self-efficacy, coping styles and psychological distress on the relationship between illness perceptions and QoL in patients living with CKD. Participants were 147 people with stage 3-5 kidney disease. Measures included eGFR, illness perceptions, coping styles, psychological distress, self-efficacy and QoL. Correlational analyses were performed, followed by regression modelling. Poorer QoL was associated with greater distress, engagement in maladaptive coping, poorer illness perceptions and lower self-efficacy. Regression analysis revealed that illness perceptions predicted QoL, with psychological distress acting as a mediator. The proportion of variance explained was 63.8%. These findings suggest that psychological interventions are likely to enhance QoL in CKD, if they target the mediating psychological processes associated with illness perceptions and psychological distress.

Evaluation of factors related to depression in peritoneal dialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is serious global public health challenge in many developing countries. Treatment of ESRD is carried out through renal replacement therapy like peritoneal dialysis (PD). Depression is the most common mood disorder which has a strong impact on the quality of life in patients with ESRD. Little is known about the prevalence and risk factors of depression in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Method and materials

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 adult ESRD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis for at least three months who referred to the peritoneal dialysis centers of Al-Zahra, Noor & Ali Asghar hospitals, Isfahan, Iran from May to August 2019. Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition questionnaire was used to measure the symptoms of depression and its severity.

Results

43.5% of patients had some levels of depression. Assessing the association of depression with demographic and PD-related factors showed that there was no significant difference regarding age, BMI, dialysis adequacy and residual kidney function, dialysis frequency, type of dialysis solution used, disease duration, and age at the start of dialysis. Ordinal logistics regression analysis showed significant association between depression severity categories and gender (OR = 0.397, CI: 0.160–0.985, p = 0.046), marital status (OR = 2.983, CI: 1.180–7.541, p = 0.021), having a separate room for dialysis (OR = 2.511, CI: 1.108–5.692, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

As our findings have revealed 43.5% of our participants suffered from mild-to-severe depression, we suggest careful attention and routine evaluation for depression in PD patients, especially women and single patients and those who have low socioeconomic status.

Incidence of depression in kidney transplant recipients in South Korea: a long-term population-based study

Depression is associated with impaired quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients and kidney transplantation (KT) recipients. Depression incidence after KT is unclear. We compared depression incidence among KT recipients, ESKD patients, and healthy controls (HCs). We analyzed a nationwide health insurance database in South Korea and identified patients who underwent KT during 2007-2015. Participants were matched for age, sex, and inclusion year. KT and ESKD patients were further matched for hypertension and diabetes mellitus history. The incidence rate (IR, per 1000 patients-years) of depression was compared among KT, ESKD, and HC groups. We analyzed 5,234 patients per group. Depression incidence was markedly lower in KT than ESKD patients (IR, 18.87 vs. 58.03; hazard ratio [HR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30‒0.36), but only slightly higher in KT recipients than in HCs (IR, 18.87 vs. 17.49; HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.96‒1.22). After adjusting for comorbidities, the depression risk was lower in KT recipients than in HCs (adjusted HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.44‒0.62; p < 0.001), whereas it remained higher in ESKD patients than in HCs (adjusted HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.36‒1.87; p < 0.001). Among KT recipients, older age, female sex, lower economic status, and more comorbidities were associated with increased depression risk. Incident depression after KT increased mortality, graft failure, and death-censored graft failure risks in KT recipients. Our data suggest a broader role of KT than previously appreciated in terms of improving quality of life by reducing depression risk.

End Stage Kidney Disease Patient Experiences of Renal Supportive Care in an Australian Teaching Hospital - A Qualitative Study

CONTEXT

Renal Supportive Care Services (RSCS) were introduced in Australia to provide patient-centred care with a focus on better symptom management and improved quality of life in end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients managed with or without dialysis. While RSCS have demonstrated clinical benefits with reduced length of hospital stay and symptom burden, there is a gap in understanding the experience of patients referred to RSCS.

OBJECTIVES

To identify patient attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives on the RSCS.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 participants from both dialysis and conservative treatment pathways. Transcripts were then thematically analysed and primary themes identified, which were reviewed with a stakeholder group that included doctors, nurses and allied health staff to provide triangulation.

RESULTS

Patients perceived the RSCS as a provider of multidisciplinary, holistic and patient-centred care that, in addition, helped to ensure prognostic awareness and timely end-of-life care planning. This contributed to an overall sense of patient empowerment with healthcare decisions. This study identified three major themes: (1) Expectations of care; (2) Experience of care; and (3) Understanding patient needs.

CONCLUSION

The study found that RSCS support patient-centred and family-orientated initiatives in decision making and control over healthcare management. This is empowering for patients. Additional patient values, needs and wants from the RSCS were also identified and these could be addressed to improve the patient experience. Our findings support the ongoing use of RSCS to improve the experience of ESKD patients.

The impact of somatic and cognitive depressive symptoms on medical prognosis in patients with end-stage renal disease

PURPOSE

To determine whether somatic or cognitive depressive symptoms affect hospitalization and death in patients with end-stage renal disease.

DESIGN AND METHOD

In an observational retrospective design, the patients (n = 190) completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II at baseline and were followed for 5 years to collect data all-cause mortality and hospitalization.

FINDINGS

High somatic (53.7%, n = 102) and cognitive (52.1%, n = 99) depressive symptoms scores significantly associated with mortality (38% vs. 19%; hazard ratio [HR] = 2; 95% CI, 1.1-3.7; p = 0.02) and hospitalization (62.5% vs. 49.4%; HR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.6; p = 0.03), respectively.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

In the context of diagnosing and intervening, awareness of depressive symptoms dimensionality is crucial.

Comparison of pre- and post-hemodialysis PHQ-9 depression scores in patients with end-stage renal disease: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

An overlap between the somatic symptoms of depression and those of uremia seen in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients may affect the diagnosis of depression. This study aims to evaluate the effect of hemodialysis on the diagnosis of depression among patients on maintenance hemodialysis as dialysis diminishes the uremic symptoms, and to compare depression scores before and after dialysis.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analytic study conducted from November 2018 through April 2019, in three tertiary hospitals. Consenting participants aged 18 years or older, who had received hemodialysis for at least three months were included. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) tool was used to collect patients' data and to identify symptoms of depression Pre- and post-hemodialysis. Depression scores were compared using the paired sample Wilcoxon rank test or the McNemar test, where appropriate.

RESULTS

Overall, 163 participants were enrolled in the study. The average age of the participants was 56.5 years old, whereas 44.8% were females. The prevalence of depressive symptoms before hemodialysis was 48.5%, with prevalence of mild, moderate and moderately severe of 34.4%, 11.7% and 2.5%, respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence of depressive symptoms after hemodialysis was 46.6% with 36.8%, 9.2% and 0.6% of the participants reporting mild, moderate and moderately severe symptoms, respectively. We found no significant difference in depression scores before and after dialysis (p-values > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study supports the fact that the prevalence of depression is high among patients with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis. We didn't find a significant difference in depression scores among hemodialysis patients before and after dialysis, with negligible effect of uremic symptoms on the diagnosis of depression. We suggest adopting routine screening of depression among this high-risk group of patients.

Perspectives on mental health among patients receiving dialysis

BACKGROUND

Diminished mental health is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and may contribute to loss of independence and motivation in patients receiving dialysis and their caregivers. Increased understanding of the patient perspective on triggers, impacts and strategies for managing mental health may inform ways to address mental health conditions in this population.

METHODS

A secondary thematic analysis was undertaken using data from the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology (SONG)-Hemodialysis and SONG-Peritoneal Dialysis projects. We extracted and analysed data on the perceived causes, meaning, impact and management of mental health in patients receiving dialysis from 26 focus groups (in six countries), multinational Delphi surveys and consensus workshops.

RESULTS

A total of 644 patients and caregivers participated. We identified five themes: bound to dialysis (forced into isolation, enslaved to a machine, stress of relentless planning and grieving the loss of a normal life), underrecognized and ignored (missed by health practitioners, need for mental health support), an uncertain future (dreading complications, coming to terms with mortality), developing self-reliance (vulnerability in being solely responsible for dialysis, sustaining motivation for dialysis, necessity for self-vigilance and taking charge to regulate emotions) and responding to a lifestyle overhaul (guilt of burdening family, controlling symptoms for overall mental wellness, protecting independence and trying to feel grateful).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving dialysis and their caregivers endure mental and emotional distress attributed to the burden of dialysis, lifestyle restrictions, the constant threat of death and symptom burden, which can impair motivation for self-management. Increased attention to monitoring and management of mental health in this population is needed.

Depression Screening Tools for Patients with Kidney Failure: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with kidney failure experience depression at rates higher than the general population. Despite the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' ESRD Quality Incentive Program requirements for routine depression screening for patients with kidney failure, no clear guidance exists.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

For this systematic review, we searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and other databases from inception to June 2020. Two investigators screened all abstracts and full text. We included studies assessing patients with kidney failure and compared a tool to a clinical interview or another validated tool (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory II). We abstracted data related to sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and the area under the curve. We evaluated the risk of bias using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies evaluated the performance characteristics of depression assessment tools for patients with kidney failure. The Beck Depression Inventory II was by far the best studied. A wide range of thresholds were reported. Shorter tools in the public domain such as the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (adults over 60) performed well but were not well studied. Short tools such as the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen may be a good option for an initial screen.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited research evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of most screening tools for depression in patients with kidney failure, and existing studies may not be generalizable to US populations. Studies suffer from limitations related to methodology quality and/or reporting. Future research should target widely used, free tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire 2 and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020140227.

Prevalence of depression and associated factors among hemodialyzed patients in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among patients on hemodialysis in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on 211 randomly selected hemodialysis patients in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia, using an observational cross-sectional design. Patients were screened for depressive symptoms using the depression, anxiety and stress scale 42 (DASS-42). Descriptive statistics were used to present sociodemographic data. Multiple logistic regression was implemented to identify the predictors of depression. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software.

Findings

The study found the overall prevalence of depression among patients on hemodialysis to be 43.6 per cent. Of them, 12.8 per cent were mildly depressed, 15.6 per cent were moderately depressed and 15.1 per cent fell in the severe or extremely severe category. Depression was significantly associated with marital status, education level and the presence of sleep disturbances. The study indicates a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients on hemodialysis in Jazan. A higher rate of depressive symptoms was observed in currently unmarried, lower-educated patients and those with sleep disturbance.

Originality/value

Periodic evaluation of patients on hemodialysis for depression is needed to allow for early intervention.

Psychosocial interventions for preventing and treating depression in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

People with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treated with dialysis are frequently affected by major depression. Dialysis patients have prioritised depression as a critically important clinical outcome in nephrology trials. Psychological and social support are potential treatments for depression, although a Cochrane review in 2005 identified zero eligible studies. This is an update of the Cochrane review first published in 2005.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of using psychosocial interventions versus usual care or a second psychosocial intervention for preventing and treating depression in patients with ESKD treated with dialysis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Kidney and Transplant's Register of Studies up to 21 June 2019 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of psychosocial interventions for prevention and treatment of depression among adults treated with long-term dialysis. We assessed effects of interventions on changes in mental state (depression, anxiety, cognition), suicide, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), withdrawal from dialysis treatment, withdrawal from intervention, death (any cause), hospitalisation and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion and extracted study data. We applied the Cochrane 'Risk of Bias' tool and used the GRADE process to assess evidence certainty. We estimated treatment effects using random-effects meta-analysis. Results for continuous outcomes were expressed as a mean difference (MD) or as a standardised mean difference (SMD) when investigators used different scales. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as risk ratios. All estimates were reported together with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 33 studies enrolling 2056 participants. Twenty-six new studies were added to this 2019 update. Seven studies originally excluded from the 2005 review were included as they met the updated review eligibility criteria, which have been expanded to include RCTs in which participants did not meet criteria for depression as an inclusion criterion. Psychosocial interventions included acupressure, cognitive-behavioural therapy, counselling, education, exercise, meditation, motivational interviewing, relaxation techniques, social activity, spiritual practices, support groups, telephone support, visualisation, and voice-recording of a psychological intervention. The duration of study follow-up ranged between three weeks and one year. Studies included between nine and 235 participants. The mean study age ranged between 36.1 and 73.9 years. Random sequence generation and allocation concealment were at low risk of bias in eight and one studies respectively. One study reported low risk methods for blinding of participants and investigators, and outcome assessment was blinded in seven studies. Twelve studies were at low risk of attrition bias, eight studies were at low risk of selective reporting bias, and 21 studies were at low risk of other potential sources of bias. Cognitive behavioural therapy probably improves depressive symptoms measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (4 studies, 230 participants: MD -6.10, 95% CI -8.63 to -3.57), based on moderate certainty evidence. Cognitive behavioural therapy compared to usual care probably improves HRQoL measured either with the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument Short Form or the Quality of Life Scale, with a 0.5 standardised mean difference representing a moderate effect size (4 studies, 230 participants: SMD 0.51, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.83) , based on moderate certainty evidence. Cognitive behavioural therapy may reduce major depression symptoms (one study) and anxiety, and increase self-efficacy (one study). Cognitive behavioural therapy studies did not report hospitalisation. We found low-certainty evidence that counselling may slightly reduce depressive symptoms measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (3 studies, 99 participants: MD -3.84, 95% CI -6.14 to -1.53) compared to usual care. Counselling reported no difference in HRQoL (one study). Counselling studies did not measure risk of major depression, suicide, or hospitalisation. Exercise may reduce or prevent major depression (3 studies, 108 participants: RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.81), depression of any severity (3 studies, 108 participants: RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.87) and improve HRQoL measured with Quality of Life Index score (2 studies, 64 participants: MD 3.06, 95% CI 2.29 to 3.83) compared to usual care with low certainty. With moderate certainty, exercise probably improves depression symptoms measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (3 studies, 108 participants: MD -7.61, 95% CI -9.59 to -5.63). Exercise may reduce anxiety (one study). No exercise studies measured suicide risk or withdrawal from dialysis. We found moderate-certainty evidence that relaxation techniques probably reduce depressive symptoms measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (2 studies, 122 participants: MD -5.77, 95% CI -8.76 to -2.78). Relaxation techniques reported no difference in HRQoL (one study). Relaxation studies did not measure risk of major depression or suicide. Spiritual practices have uncertain effects on depressive symptoms measured either with the Beck Depression Inventory or the Brief Symptom Inventory (2 studies, 116 participants: SMD -1.00, 95% CI -3.52 to 1.53; very low certainty evidence). No differences between spiritual practices and usual care were reported on anxiety (one study), and HRQoL (one study). No study of spiritual practices evaluated effects on suicide risk, withdrawal from dialysis or hospitalisation. There were few or no data on acupressure, telephone support, meditation and adverse events related to psychosocial interventions.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive behavioural therapy, exercise or relaxation techniques probably reduce depressive symptoms (moderate-certainty evidence) for adults with ESKD treated with dialysis. Cognitive behavioural therapy probably increases health-related quality of life. Evidence for spiritual practices, acupressure, telephone support, and meditation is of low certainty . Similarly, evidence for effects of psychosocial interventions on suicide risk, major depression, hospitalisation, withdrawal from dialysis, and adverse events is of low or very low certainty.

Depressive symptoms and dietary non-adherence among end stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy: systematic review

Background

Research suggests that patients with end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis have a higher rate of depression and dietary non adherence leading to hospitalization and mortality. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the quantitative evidence on the relationship between depressive symptoms and dietary non adherence among end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving hemodialysis.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken. Three electronic databases were searched including PubMed, CINHAL and Web of Science. Only quantitative studies published between 2001 and 2016 were included in the review.

Result

A total of 141 publications were reviewed during the search process and 28 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Eleven studies (39.3%) reported on the prevalence of depressive symptoms or depression and its effect on patient outcomes. Ten studies (35.7%) focused on dietary adherence/non adherence in patients with ESRD and the remaining seven (25%) articles were descriptive studies on the relationship between depressive symptoms and dietary non adherence in patients with ESRD receiving hemodialysis. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and dietary non adherence ranged as 6–83.49% and from 41.1–98.3% respectively. Decreased quality of life & increased morbidity and mortality were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Other factors including urea, hemoglobin, creatinine and serum albumin had also association with depressive symptoms. Regarding dietary non adherence, age, social support, educational status, behavioral control and positive attitudes are important factors in ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis. Having depressive symptoms is more likely to increase dietary non adherence.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms and dietary non adherence were highly prevalent in patients with end stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis therapy. Nearly all of the articles that examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and dietary non adherence found a significant association. Future research using experimental or longitudinal design and gold standard measures with established cut-points is needed to further explain the relationship.

Psychiatric Illness and Mortality in Hospitalized ESKD Dialysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Limited existing data on psychiatric illness in ESKD patients suggest these diseases are common and burdensome, but under-recognized in clinical practice.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We examined hospitalizations with psychiatric diagnoses using inpatient claims from the first year of ESKD in adult and pediatric Medicare recipients who initiated treatment from 1996 to 2013. We assessed associations between hospitalizations with psychiatric diagnoses and all-cause death after discharge in adult dialysis patients using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

In the first ESKD year, 72% of elderly adults, 66% of adults and 64% of children had at least one hospitalization. Approximately 2% of adults and 1% of children were hospitalized with a primary psychiatric diagnosis. The most common primary psychiatric diagnoses were depression/affective disorder in adults and children, and organic disorders/dementias in elderly adults. Prevalence of hospitalizations with psychiatric diagnoses increased over time across groups, primarily from secondary diagnoses. 19% of elderly adults, 25% of adults and 15% of children were hospitalized with a secondary psychiatric diagnosis. Hazards ratios of all-cause death were higher in all dialysis adults hospitalized with either primary (1.29; 1.26 to 1.32) or secondary (1.11; 1.10 to 1.12) psychiatric diagnoses than in those hospitalized without psychiatric diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalizations with psychiatric diagnoses are common in pediatric and adult ESKD patients, and are associated with subsequent higher mortality, compared with hospitalizations without psychiatric diagnoses. The prevalence of hospitalizations with psychiatric diagnoses likely underestimates the burden of mental illness in the population.

Mental Effects of Excess Parathyroid Hormone in Hemodialysis Patients: A Possible Role for Parathyroid 2 Hormone Receptor?

Depression as measured by the kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL) form is known to be an independent risk factor for mortality dialysis patients. Excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) has long been associated with neuropsychiatric disturbances. Those psychiatric complications are currently attributed to hypercalcemia with very little evidence; however, with the discovery of the parathyroid hormone 2 receptor (PTH2R) in the brain which can be activated by PTH, PTH2R might indicate a direct effect of PTH. As secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism is common in dialysis patients where the serum calcium is low or normal, we chose to investigate a possible relationship between PTH levels and depression in dialysis patients. This was a matched pair observational study with 10 patients with intact PTH values above 1000 pg/mL who were matched with 10 patients who had PTH values less than 400 pg/mL for the presence of diabetes, years on dialysis, duration of dialysis time, Kt/V, hemoglobin, and 25 OH vitamin D levels, as well as intravenous iron and erythropoietin administration. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life questionnaire (KDQOL-36) scores and patient Health Questionnaire scores were analyzed during that time. All variables underwent tests for normality and matched pair t-test. All subscales of the KDQOL-36 were worse in the high PTH group with the effect on daily life reaching P = 0.01 and the burden of disease and symptoms both reaching P = 0.02. PTH and PTH2R may be appropriate targets for investigations to improve the quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

A comparative study of psychosocial determinants and mental well-being in chronic kidney disease patients: A closer look

BACKGROUND

Depressive illness in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. The relation between depressive illness and quality of life (QoL) in this vulnerable group is complex. We attempted to study the burden of depressive illness, the QoL in patients of CKD on hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD) as well as those who were not on any dialysis but on conservative medical management only.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational study with cross-sectional analytical controlled design.

STATISTICAL METHODS USED

Chi-square statistic or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and t-test and ANOVA for continuous variables. Correlational analysis was done using Spearman's correlation coefficient. P <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms were present significantly across all 3 groups of CKD patients. Depressive disorder was significantly higher in the HD group. Mean QoL was significantly better in patients of CKD on PD.

DISCUSSION

There is huge hidden burden of depressive symptoms and depressive illness in patients of CKD whether on dialysis or on conservative medical management. The study found significantly higher burden of depressive illness and lower QoL among the HD vis a vis PD patients, even though the majority of our CKD who require dialysis are on HD.

CONCLUSION

Depressive burden is the hidden factor behind poor QoL, poor overall satisfaction as well as treatment outcome in patients of CKD whether or not on dialysis. To address this hidden depressive burden comprehensively, close cooperation between nephrologist and psychiatrist is called for.

Using Problem-solving Therapy to Improve Problem-solving Orientation, Problem-solving Skills and Quality of Life in Older Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) in older hemodialysis (HD) patients by assessing changes in health-related quality of life and problem-solving skills.

METHODS

33 HD patients in an outpatient hemodialysis center without active medical and psychiatric illness were enrolled. The intervention group (n = 15) received PST from a licensed social worker for 6 weeks, whereas the control group (n = 18) received usual care treatment.

RESULTS

In comparison to the control group, patients receiving PST intervention reported improved perceptions of mental health, were more likely to view their problems with a positive orientation and were more likely to use functional problem-solving methods. Furthermore, this group was also more likely to view their overall health, activity limits, social activities and ability to accomplish desired tasks with a more positive mindset.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that PST may positively impact mental health components of quality of life and problem-solving coping among older HD patients.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

PST is an effective, efficient, and easy to implement intervention that can benefit problem-solving abilities and mental health-related quality of life in older HD patients. In turn, this will help patients manage their daily living activities related to their medical condition and reduce daily stressors.

Depression and psychological distress in patients with chronic renal failure: Prevalence and associated factors in a rural district in Sri Lanka

OBJECTIVE

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is known to adversely affect mental health. The study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of depression and psychological distress and the associated factors among CKD patients living in Anuradhapura, a rural district in Sri Lanka.

METHOD

A community-based, cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1174 CKD patients, drawn proportionately from all registered patients in all 19 Medical Officer of Health areas in the district of Anuradhapura. Trained paramedical staff visited the households and administered the locally validated Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and General Health Questionnaire-12 to screen for depression and psychological distress. Information related to associated factors was obtained through an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 1118 CKD patients participated, with a response rate of 95.2%. The mean age was 58.3 (SD 10.8) years. 62.7% of participants were males. The majority of participants was in CKD stage 4 (58.3%). The screening revealed that 75.0% (95% CI 72.5-77.5) of participants were psychologically distressed while 65.2% (95%CI 62.4-68.0) were found to be depressed. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed advanced age, unemployment and poor health related quality of life contributed significantly to both depression and psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Depression and psychological distress were significant in this community. Policymakers should consider the likely high prevalence of psychological distress and depression among CKD patients as well as the need for specific mental health services to confirm diagnosis and initiate effective management. Identified associated factors should be used to identify targeted preventative interventions.

Sleep disturbance, negative affect and health-related quality of life in patients with maintenance hemodialysis

The study was designed to examine the relationships between sleep disturbance, negative affect and quality of life among patients with maintenance hemodialysis. A total of 118 patients in Shanghai, China, with maintenance hemodialysis (>40 years old) participated in the study. They completed three questionnaires: the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the European Quality of 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L). Results showed that male participants' negative affect scored significantly higher than female participants'.The mean global PSQI score was 8.64 (poor sleepers score 6 or more); sleep disturbance affected 63.6% of the patients, which indicated that in general the participants' sleep quality was relatively poor.The patients with worse sleep quality and negative affect were more likely to have a lower quality of life. In addition, the effect of the sleep disturbance on quality of life was mediated by negative affect (The Z value of Sobel test was -3.18, p< .01).These findings suggest sleep disturbance and negative affect were common among patients with maintenance hemodialysis and had a negative impact on their quality of life; negative affect may mediate the relationship between sleep disturbance and quality of life.

Effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness in end-stage renal disease hemodialysis patients

Background

Many patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) experience depression. Depression influences patient quality of life (QOL), dialysis compliance, and medical comorbidity. We developed and applied a group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program including mindfulness meditation for ESRD patients undergoing HD, and measured changes in QOL, mood, anxiety, perceived stress, and biochemical markers.

Methods

We conducted group CBT over a 12-week period with seven ESRD patients undergoing HD and suffering from depression. QOL, mood, anxiety, and perceived stress were measured at baseline and at weeks 8 and 12 using the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Biochemical markers were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. The Temperament and Character Inventory was performed to assess patient characteristics before starting group CBT.

Results

The seven patients showed significant improvement in QOL, mood, anxiety, and perceived stress after 12 weeks of group CBT. WHOQOL-BREF and the self-rating scales, BDI-II and BAI, showed continuous improvement across the 12-week period. HAM-D scores showed significant improvement by week 8; PSS showed significant improvement after week 8. Serum creatinine levels also improved significantly following the 12 week period.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, a CBT program which included mindfulness meditation enhanced overall mental health and biochemical marker levels in ESRD patients undergoing HD.

Discharge service as a determinant of 30-day readmission in a cohort of maintenance hemodialysis patients: a retrospective cohort study

Background

End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis, are high utilizers of inpatient services. Because of data showing improved outcomes in medical patients admitted to hospitalist-run, non-teaching services, we hypothesized that discharge from a hospitalist-run, non-teaching service is associated with lower risk of 30-day re-hospitalization in a cohort of patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

One thousand and 84 consecutive patients with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis who were admitted to Montefiore, a tertiary care center, in 2014 were analyzed using the electronic medical records. We evaluated factors associated with 30-day readmission in multivariable regression models. We then tested the association of care by a hospitalist-run, non-teaching service with 30-day readmission in a propensity score matched analysis.

Results

Patients cared for on the hospitalist-run, non-teaching service had lower socio-economic scores (SES) and had longer lengths of stay (LOS), as compared to a standard teaching service, but otherwise the populations were similar. In multivariable testing, severity of illness, (OR 2.40, (95%CI: 1.43–4.03) for highest quartile) number of previous hospitalizations (OR 1.22 (95%CI:1.16–1.28) for each admission), and discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF)(OR 1.56 (95%CI:1.01–2.43) were significantly associated with 30-day re-admissions. Care by the non-teaching service was associated with a lower risk of 30-day readmission, even after adjusting for clinical factors and matching based on propensity score (OR 0.65(95%CI:0.46–0.91) and 0.71(95%CI:0.66–0.77) respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with ESRD on hemodialysis discharged from a hospitalist-run, non-teaching medicine service had lower odds of readmission as compared to those patients discharged from a standard teaching service.

Design and protocol for the Dialysis Optimal Health Program (DOHP) randomised controlled trial

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are serious and growing health problems with enormous impact on psychological and social functioning. Despite high rates of comorbid depression and anxiety in these patient populations, and the adverse impact these have upon treatment adherence, quality of life, social connectedness and healthcare costs there has been little attention focused on the prevention or management of these problems. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the Dialysis Optimal Health Program (DOHP) that adopts a person-centred approach and engages collaborative therapy to educate and support those diagnosed with ESKD who are commencing dialysis.

Methods

The study design is a randomised controlled trial. Ninety-six adult patients initiating haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis will be randomly allocated to either the intervention (DOHP) or usual care group. Participants receiving the intervention will receive nine (8 + 1 booster session) sequential sessions based on a structured information/workbook, psychosocial and educational supports and skills building. The primary outcome measures are depression and anxiety (assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS). Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life (assessed by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life instrument; KDQOL), self-efficacy (assessed by General Self-Efficacy Scale) and clinical indices (e.g. albumin and haemoglobin levels). Cost-effectiveness analysis and process evaluation will also be performed to assess the economic value and efficacy of the DOHP. Primary and secondary measures will be collected at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up time points.

Discussion

We believe that this innovative trial will enhance knowledge of interventions aimed at supporting patients in the process of starting dialysis, and will broaden the focus from physical symptoms to include psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, wellbeing and community support. The outcomes associated with this study are significant in terms of enhancing an at-risk population’s psychosocial health and reducing treatment-related costs and associated pressures on the healthcare system.

Trial registration

ANZCTR no. 12615000810516. Registered on 5 August 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1558-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Religiosity and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study on Filipino Christian Hemodialysis Patients

This study aimed to measure the religiosity and health-related quality of life of Filipino Christian HD patients. A cross-sectional study of 100 HD patients was conducted. The Duke University Religion Index and the Ferrans and Powers QLI Dialysis Version-III were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation. Attendance to organizational religious activities and NORA were found to be correlated with some of the dimensions of HRQoL. Intrinsic religiosity showed a strong, positive correlation with HRQoL. It is essential to attend to and nourish their religious needs. Holistic approach in providing care to HD patients, with emphasis on spiritual care, is encouraged to improve their total health.

Depressive Symptoms, Patient Satisfaction, and Quality of Life Over Time in Automated and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Propensity-Matched Study

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important clinical outcome for dialysis patients. However, relative superiority in HRQOL between automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are not clearly known. We compared HRQOL over time between APD and CAPD patients and evaluated factors associated with HRQOL.All 260 incident patients initiating APD or CAPD at multiple centers throughout Korea were prospectively enrolled in this study between October 2010 and February 2013. HRQOL, depressive symptoms, and renal treatment satisfaction were assessed 1 and 12 months after the start of dialysis by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-36), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Renal Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (RTSQ), respectively.Of 196 patients who completed all questionnaires and did not change the peritoneal dialysis (PD) modality during the 1-year follow-up period, 160 were matched. APD patients showed better baseline HRQOL than CAPD patients for the symptoms, patient satisfaction, pain, and social function domains. There were no differences in HRQOL between the 2 groups at 12 months, and CAPD patients had significantly greater improvements in symptoms (P = 0.02), the mental composite summary (P = 0.03), and health status domains (P = 0.03) than APD patients. There were similar improvements in depressive symptoms (P = 0.01) and patient satisfaction with treatment (P = 0.01) in CAPD and APD patients. Interestingly, depressive symptoms, not PD modality, was the most influential and consistent factor for HRQOL. Despite the spontaneous improvement of depressive symptoms, considerable PD patients still had depressive symptoms at the 1-year appointment.APD has no advantage over CAPD for HRQOL. Considering the substantial negative effect of depressive symptoms on HRQOL, it is important to evaluate PD patients for depression and to treat those with depression to improve their HRQOL.

Association Between Anxiety and Depression With Dialysis Adequacy in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background

Depression and anxiety are common among hemodialysis patients and affect their treatment outcomes. Dialysis adequacy also affects the hemodialysis patients’ survival rates.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between anxiety and depression with dialysis adequacy.

Patients and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 127 hemodialysis patients (73 males, 57.5%) with the mean age of 55.7 ± 17.5 were enrolled. Demographic and recent laboratory data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and by reviewing medical records. Dialysis adequacy measures including the Kt/V and urea reduction rate (URR) were calculated using standard formulas. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to diagnose depression and anxiety. Independent sample t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare the values in different groups. Pearson correlations and linear regression were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 21.

Results

The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety (HADS score ≥ 8) were 31.5% and 41.7%, respectively. The prevalence of both conditions was significantly higher in women than in men (P < 0.05). The mean values of Kt/V and URR were not different in patients with and without depression or anxiety. The anxiety scores were correlated with age (P = 0.007, r = -0.24) and parathyroid hormone (P = 0.04, r = -0.19). Younger age and lower parathyroid hormone were the only factors that predicted higher scores of anxiety in linear regression. The Kt/V or URR were not significantly correlated with depression and anxiety scores.

Conclusions

Depression and anxiety are common among hemodialysis patients. There are no statistically significant correlation between depression and anxiety and dialysis adequacy.

Insomnia in patients on hemodialysis for a short versus long duration

BACKGROUND

Many studies have investigated insomnia and the factors associated with this condition in hemodialysis (HD) patients, although the influence of HD duration has not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we investigated the factors, especially the duration of HD, associated with insomnia in HD patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 138 patients undergoing HD were recruited, and the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the quality of sleep. Subjects with a total PSQI score up to 4 and those with a score of at least 5 were identified as normal subjects and subjects with insomnia, respectively. Additionally, we assessed restless legs syndrome, depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and health-related quality of life (QOL) using the Short Form 8 Health Survey. We divided the subjects into two groups according to the median HD duration.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of insomnia was 54.3% among all the subjects. Twenty-one subjects (15.2%) had depression, 26 (18.8%) had restless legs syndrome, and 75 (54.3%) had insomnia. The median HD duration was 4 years. The scores of components 1 and 4 of the PSQI, subjective sleep quality and habitual sleep efficiency, did not show a significant difference between the normal and insomnia groups. The score of component 7, daytime dysfunction, showed a significant difference between the short and long HD duration groups. In multiple regression analysis, the score of the Short Form 8 Health Survey showed a significant association with the PSQI score in the long HD duration group, but no variable showed a significant association in the short HD duration group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a longer duration of HD indicated that insomnia has an influence on their daily activities, with a significant association between insomnia and QOL. Greater attention should be paid to poor QOL and troubles in daily activities caused by insomnia in patients with a longer HD duration.

Prevalence of major depressive disorder among hemodialysis patients compared with healthy people in Japan using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV

BACKGROUND

We investigated the prevalence of depression in hemodialysis (HD) patients using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies for Depression (CES-D) scale and the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (SCID) and compared the rates with those of community dwelling people in Japan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 99 patients undergoing HD were recruited. Blood sampling was performed no later than 2 weeks prior to assessment. As a reference group for SCID and CES-D evaluation, 404 age- and sex-matched healthy controls who had participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project were included in this study. The SCID and the CES-D scale were administered to all participants to diagnose their depression. Participants who met the criteria of a major depressive episode according to the SCID were classified as SCID depression and the participants whose CES-D score was 16 or higher were classified as CES-D depression.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine HD patients completed the evaluation and data collection. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or CES-D scores between HD patients and controls. There were 12 cases of SCID depression in HD patients and four cases in controls. There was a significant difference between HD patients and controls in the prevalence of SCID depression. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to demographic or clinical data. There were 19 HD patients and 24 controls who showed CES-D depression. There was no significant difference between HD patients and controls in the prevalence of CES-D depression. There was a significant difference in potassium level between the two groups, but there were no significant differences in any of the other items.

CONCLUSION

There were significantly more HD patients showing SCID depression than controls in the present study. In clinical settings, the SCID might be useful in surveying cases of depression detected by screening tools among HD patients.

Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Treatment Options for Depression and Depressive Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients

Depression is a mental disorder with a high prevalence among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). It is reported that depression afflicts approximately 20-30% of this patient population, being associated, amongst other, with high mortality rate, low adherence to medication and low perceived quality of life. There is a variety of medications known to be effective for the treatment of depression but due to poor adherence to treatment as well as due to the high need for medications addressing other ESRD comorbidities, depression often remains untreated. According to the literature, depression is under-diagnosed and undertreated in the majority of the patients with chronic kidney disease. In the current review the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches and research outcomes for the management of depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients are discussed.

The relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, oxidative and nitrosative stress and depressive symptoms: a study on peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

Depression is one of the most commonly encountered psychiatric problems in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Our aim was to investigate the associations between oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in PD patients with elevated depressive symptoms (EDS).

METHODS

Eighty-three patients with PD and 84 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. In PD patients, two subgroups were formed: 28 with and 55 without EDS. EDS were defined as a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score ≥17 in patients. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) erythrocyte, glutathione (GSH) levels measured spectrophotometrically. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, nitric oxide (NO) and BDNF levels were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

While MDA and NO levels were higher, levels of SOD, GSH and BDNF were lower in PD patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). The patients with EDS had higher levels of MDA and lower levels of BDNF as compared to those without EDS (p < 0.005). In linear regression analysis, the BDNF levels were dependently associated with SOD levels in PD patients (B: 0.274, p: 0.043). In addition, while a negative correlation existed between BDI scores with BDNF levels (r = -0.312, p = 0.004), a positive correlation was present between BDI scores and MDA levels (r = 0.320, p = 0.005) in PD patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the presence of high O&NS and low antioxidant capacity accompanied with decreased levels of BDNF in PD patients, especially those with EDS were deeper. These may represent the risk factors for cellular injury and might reveal part of the mechanism causing the depressive state in PD patients.

Association of Depression With Selenium Deficiency and Nutritional Markers in the Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

Depression is considered as the most common psychological problem in hemodialysis (HD) patients. As there is little evidence regarding the association of depression with serum selenium level as an antioxidant in these patients, the current survey investigates the possible relationship between depression and nutritional status including serum selenium levels.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS

A total of 110 HD patients and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The patients were in the age range of 18 to 85 years, who had been on hemodialysis for at least 3 months without any acute illness.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Beck Depression Inventory was used for assessing the severity of depression. Malnutrition was evaluated through subjective global assessment (SGA) and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS). Serum selenium levels and routine laboratory markers were measured from fasting samples.

RESULTS

Sixty-two percent of the patients had some degree of depression based on Beck Depression Inventory score. HD patients were considered to be selenium deficient after comparing the mean value of serum selenium between the patients and controls (P < .001). No significant difference was found in serum selenium levels between depressed HD patients and the rest of patients without depression. The mean level of SGA and MIS in the depressed patients was significantly higher than the rest of patients (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively). Also lower levels of hemoglobin and serum albumin were significantly seen in depressed patients compared with nondepressed ones (P = .004 and P = .04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the HD patients in this study were selenium deficient, no significant association was found between depression and selenium. In addition, depression was more prevalent in malnourished HD patients with higher SGA and MIS scores and lower serum albumin and hemoglobin levels.

Indicators and correlates of psychological disturbance in Chinese patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Depression and anxiety have been considered as the most common comorbidities in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study aimed to assess mental disorder in hemodialysis patients and to study the indicators and correlates of psychological disturbance among patients receiving MHD in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 187 outpatients undergoing regular hemodialysis for at least 3 months. All the participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue, Chinese mainland version), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Family APGAR Index (PAGAR), Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES II, Chinese version) and the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ).

RESULTS

Based on the cutoff point of HADS-D/A ≥ 8, 51 (27.3%) and 29 (15.5%) patients reported depression and anxiety, respectively; 26 (13.9%) of all reported both depression and anxiety. Depressive patients had lower economic status, less subsidies, less than 3 years duration on hemodialysis and comorbidities when compared to patients without depression (all P < 0.05). HADS-D showed positive correlations with HADS-A, PSQI and SFQ and negative correlations with FACIT-Fatigue, PAGAR, family cohesion and adaptability (all P < 0.001). Patients with better family cohesion showed higher level of psychosocial well-being no matter their economic status. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that anxiety (OR 1.80, P < 0.001) and bad social functioning (OR 1.31, P < 0.001) were independently associated with depression.

CONCLUSION

More attention should be paid on assessment and management psychological disturbance, and development family/social/medical supporting system for Chinese patients receiving MHD.

Effect of Psycho Education on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients on Hemodialysis

Background:

Hemodialysis as a solution for patients with chronic renal failure is a stressful process. Anxiety and depression after hemodialysis could have negative impacts on quality of life, treatment and prognosis of the disease. Some studies indicated that educating patients prior to hemodialysis could enhance patients’ quality of life and increase the likelihood of their survival.

Objectives:

This study investigated psychological impacts of psycho education on anxiety and depression symptoms in patients under dialysis.

Patients and Methods:

This was a prospective, experimental intervention study with pretest and post-test. Eligible patients (n = 60) were selected randomly from dialysis center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari in 2009. Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) score of patients were eight or greater. They were divided into two matched groups. In one group, patients were given psycho education during three sessions of one-hour, while patients in the control group did not receive any education. HADS was completed for both groups before dialysis and one month after the end of educational sessions. The data were compared and analyzed using paired t-test and Chi-square test.

Results:

Psycho education decreased depression score (P < 0.001) and the HADS (P = 0.008) significantly. These decreases were not significant for anxiety scores of patients (P = 0.185).

Conclusion:

This research indicated that psycho education based on the designed protocol decreased the scores of depression and total scores of HADS.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms among Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION

End stage renal disease (ESRD) affects patient's physical and psychological health. Depression is the most common psychiatric illness among patients with ESRD. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients undergoing peritoneal (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), also to correlate these symptoms with the demographic data.

METHODS

this is a cross-sectional study that includes 133 PD patients and 133 HD patients attending the King Fahad Dialysis Center at King Saud Medical Complex (KSMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Socio-demographic data were documented. Depression was evaluated by using the zung self- rating depression scale (Zung SDS).

RESULTS

using the Zung SDS; the prevalence of depression was significantly higher among PD patients (98.5%) in compare with HD patients (83.5%).

CONCLUSION

the study reveals that there is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among PD and HD patients. This will lead us to think of adding a system for screening, diagnosis and treatment of depression for all dialysis patients to improve their life.

Building a network of ADPKD reference centres across Europe: the EuroCYST initiative

BACKGROUND

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common monogenic inherited kidney disease, affecting an estimated 600 000 individuals in Europe. The disease is characterized by age-dependent development of a multiple cysts in the kidneys, ultimately leading to end-stage renal failure and the need of renal replacement therapy in the majority of patients, typically by the fifth or sixth decade of life. The variable disease course, even within the same family, remains largely unexplained. Similarly, assessing disease severity and prognosis in an individual with ADPKD remains difficult. Epidemiological studies are limited due to the fragmentation of ADPKD research in Europe.

METHODS

The EuroCYST initiative aims: (i) to harmonize and develop common standards for ADPKD research by starting a collaborative effort to build a network of ADPKD reference centres across Europe and (ii) to establish a multicentric observational cohort of ADPKD patients. This cohort will be used to study factors influencing the rate of disease progression, disease modifiers, disease stage-specific morbidity and mortality, health economic issues and to identify predictive disease progression markers. Overall, 1100 patients will be enrolled in 14 study sites across Europe. Patients will be prospectively followed for at least 3 years. Eligible patients will not have participated in a pharmaceutical clinical trial 1 year before enrollment, have clinically proven ADPKD, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and above, and be able to provide written informed consent. The baseline visit will include a physical examination and collection of blood, urine and DNA for biomarker and genetic studies. In addition, all participants will be asked to complete questionnaires detailing self-reported health status, quality of life, socioeconomic status, health-care use and reproductive planning. All subjects will undergo annual follow-up. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will be carried out at baseline, and patients are encouraged to undergo a second MRI at 3-year follow-up for qualitative and quantitative kidney and liver assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

The ADPKD reference centre network across Europe and the observational cohort study will enable European ADPKD researchers to gain insights into the natural history, heterogeneity and associated complications of the disease as well as how it affects the lives of patients across Europe.

Depression in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

Patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis experience considerable psychological stress due to physical and social changes brought on by illness, increasing the risk of depressive disorder (DD). We examined the prevalence of DD and depressive symptoms, identified treatments for depression, and determined baseline demographic, social/behavioral, physical, and psychological correlates.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 310 dialysis patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was screened for DD using the Structured Clinical Interview for Depression and for depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Established measures of psychosocial and physical health characteristics were administered, along with questions about current and past treatments. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified independent correlates of DD and symptoms.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DD was 6.8 % (major depression 3.2 %, minor depression 3.6 %), and significant depressive symptoms were present in 24.2 % (HDRS 8 or higher). No patients with DD were being treated with antidepressant medication, whereas 28.6 % (6 of 21) were receiving counseling. Being a Saudi national, married, in counseling, or having a history of antidepressant were associated with DD in bivariate analyses. Correlates of depressive symptoms HDRS in multivariate analyses were Saudi nationality, marital status, stressful life events, poor physical functioning, cognitive impairment, overall severity of medical illness, and history of family psychiatric problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of DD and depressive symptoms is lower in Saudi dialysis patients than in the rest of the world, largely untreated, and is associated with a distinct set of demographic, psychosocial, and physical health characteristics.

Depression and kidney transplantation

While kidney transplantation offers several advantages in terms of improved clinical outcomes and quality of life compared to dialysis modalities, depressive symptoms are still present in approximately 25% of patients, rates comparable to that of the hemodialysis population. Correlates of depressive symptoms include marital status, income, kidney function, history of affective illness, malnutrition, and inflammation. Depressive symptoms are also associated with poor outcomes following kidney transplantation including nonadherence to immunosuppressant medication, graft failure, and all-cause mortality. Efforts to detect and treat depression should be a priority if one is to improve treatment adherence, quality of life, and outcomes in transplant recipients.

Suicide risk in dialysis: review of current literature

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at risk of experiencing suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.

STUDY DESIGN

The aim of the present review was to investigate whether there was a relationship between dialysis and suicide. A careful systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine the potential association between dialysis and suicide.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES

Abstracts that did not explicitly mention suicide and dialysis were excluded. We identified as specific fields of interest in the analysis of dialysis or ESRD and suicidal behavior.

RESULTS

A total of 26 articles from peer-reviewed journals were considered and the most relevant articles (N = 13) were selected for this review.

OUTCOMES

It has been posited that suicidal ideation, occurring in dialysis, may arise from co-morbid depression and psychiatric symptoms are frequent in patients who underwent dialysis.

LIMITATIONS

The present review should be considered in the light of some limitations. We did not carry out a meta-analysis because data from most of the studies did not permit it. Samples included different measurements and different outcomes, and they assessed patients at different time points.

CONCLUSIONS

The available data suggest that the risk of self-harm may be higher than expected in dialysis patients especially in those who suffer by depression and anxiety. Moreover, although the majority of deaths among dialysis patients is preceded by withdrawal from treatment, suicide remains a separate phenomenon.

The impact of chronic illness in suicidality: a qualitative exploration

Objectives: To explore the experiences of patients with chronic physical illness in relation to suicidal behaviours and ideas. Design: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Methods: Fourteen patients with either multiple sclerosis or stage 5 chronic kidney disease were interviewed. Grounded theory was used to analyse the data. Results: Suicidal ideation was commonly reported by the study participants, and the relationship between the impact of a chronic physical illness, suicidality and risk factors was described. Several participants reported having planned suicide attempts as a consequence of finding living with their illness intolerable, and some had used non-adherence to treatment as a deliberate method to end their life. Conclusion: The findings suggest suicidality may be a relatively common experience in those with chronic illness facing a future of further losses, and that alongside passive thoughts of not being alive this may also include active thoughts about suicide. Health professionals should be alert to intentional non-adherence to treatment as an attempt to end one's life.

Quality of life and mental health related to timing, frequency and dose of hemodialysis

The perceived quality of life (QOL) and mental health of dialysis patients can have a significant impact on clinical outcomes in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population. There is growing interest in increasing dialysis frequency, dose and duration to achieve more adequate dialysis clearance, particularly of middle molecules. Over the past decade, there has been an interest in earlier initiation of dialysis; however, the results of the IDEAL study call this practice into question, and showed no difference in QOL scores between the early-start and later start dialysis patients. There are inconsistent results regarding the impact of increased dialysis frequency and dose on patients' perceived health-related QOL (HRQOL). Some studies of daily nocturnal dialysis patients show a positive impact on QOL, while others show no significant difference. The disparate outcomes may be partly related to differences in the demographic characteristics of the study populations and the specific questionnaires used to measure HRQOL. Additional research is necessary to determine whether changes in dialysis frequency, timing, and dose can positively or negatively impact patients' perceptions of their QOL and mental health.

Depression, quality of life and primary care: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To estimate the presence of depression and impairment of quality of life in primary care and identify correlations with demographics and chronic diseases.

Materials and methods: 500 people (220 men) that visited the Gytheio Health Center, Greece, participated in the study answering a study questionnaire that included demographic and somatometric data, medical history, the Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS-Zung) and the Short Form 12 (SF-12) scale for quality of life evaluation with a mental component scale (MCS) and a physical component scale (PCS).

Results: 163 persons (32.6% of the study population) had SDS-Zung scores over 50 indicating depressive symptomatology. Of those 22% of the study population (70% women) had no awareness of their problem and were under no treatment; 80 (16% of the study population) had mild depressive symptoms (SDS-Zung: 53.12 ± 0.6 [95% CI]) and physical impairment: MCS12: 44.32 ± 1.9 (95% CI), PCS: 39.16 ± 2.2 (95% CI) (p < 0.005) and 23 (4.6% of study population) had moderate symptoms (SDS-Zung: 63.82 ± 1.34 [95% CI]), with mental and physical impairment: MCS12: 36.99 ± 1.88 (95% CI), PCS: 34.83 ± 5.12 (95% CI) (p < 0.005) adjusted for age, sex and co-morbidities. Arthritis and COPD were associated with depressive symptomatology and physical impairment (p < 0.05) and coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure with physical impairment (p < 0.005). Patients under anti-depressive medication had significant depressive symptomatology and decreased quality of life (p < 0.0005).

Conclusion: The prevalence of both depressive symptomatology and impairment of quality of life is significant and primary care with simple, validated tools can be the setting for identifying and helping such patients.

Association between uremic toxins and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are undergoing maintenance hemodialysis have a higher prevalence of depression than the general population. The underlying cause of this association is unknown, but may be related to accumulation of uremic toxins. Little is known about the association of accumulation of uremic toxins and depression in hemodialysis patients.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 209 CKD patients from a single institution to evaluate the associations of a soluble small uremic toxin (urea), a soluble large uremic toxin (β2 microglobulin) and two protein-bound uremic toxins [total p-cresol sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS)] with the presence of depression.

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients (22.4%) had depression. Depressive patients had lower body mass index, lower serum creatinine, lower serum albumin and lower total IS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses that adjusted for age, gender and other statistically significant variables indicated that depression was significantly and independently associated with lower serum albumin and lower total IS. The levels of urea, β2 microglobulin and PCS were not significantly associated with depression.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that depression in patients with CKD was significantly and independently associated with lower serum albumin and lower total IS. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying these associations are unknown.

Erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis: A systematic review

Men with chronic renal failure (CRF) on hemodialysis have been frequently associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), with an of between 20% to 87.7%. As a result of the multi-system disease processes present in many uremic men, it is apparent that the pathogenesis of ED is most probably multifactorial. Factors to be considered include peripheral vascular disease, neurogenic abnormalities, hormonal disturbances and medications used for treatment of conditions associated with CRF. These physiological abnormalities may be supplemented by significant psychological stresses and abnormalities resulting from chronic illness. Treatment must start with the determination and treatment of the underlying causes. In addition to psychological treatment, further lines of treatment of ED in CRF can be classified as 1st line (medical treatment which includes oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and hormone regulation), 2nd line (intracavernosal injection, vacuum constriction devices and alprostadil urethral suppositories) or 3rd line (surgical treatment). Renal transplantation improves the quality of life for some patients with CRF and subsequently it may improve erectile function in a significant number of them, however still there is high incidence of ED after transplantation.