Depression in end-stage renal disease hemodialysis patients

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Symptoms of Depression in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review

Objective: The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is common among hemodialysis patients who receive treatment for depression. However, studies on the efficacy of SSRIs in patients on chronic hemodialysis are few and have led to conflicting results. The present systematic review aims to evaluate, in randomized, controlled studies (RCSs), the efficacy of SSRI administration in reducing symptoms of depression in patients on chronic hemodialysis when compared with placebo or psychological interventions. Method: Research was run on December 2023 in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE (1985 to present); Ovid EMBASE (1985 to present); Cochrane Library (Wiley); and PubMed (1985 to present). The primary outcome was the frequency and severity of the symptoms of depression assessed through the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). The secondary outcome was the prevalence of adverse events. Results: Seven studies totaling 433 patients were included. The number of patients in each individual study ranged from 13 to 120. The length of studies ranged from 8 weeks to 6 months. Heterogeneous data precluded informative meta-analysis. Three studies compared sertraline with a placebo. Of these, two demonstrated that sertraline was better than the placebo in reducing the symptoms of depression while one showed no statistically significant differences between sertraline and the placebo. One study, comparing fluoxetine with a placebo showed that the symptoms of depression did not differ significantly at 8 weeks. In another study, escitalopram administration led to a significantly greater reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score compared to a placebo, as well as in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score. In one study, citalopram and psychological interventions were both effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety and, in another study, sertraline was modestly more effective than CBT at 12 weeks in reducing the symptoms of depression. Conclusions: SSRIs may be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression in patients on chronic hemodialysis. SSRI administration, at the dosage used in the studies included in the present systematic review, seems safe in most hemodialysis patients. However, the paucity of studies and the limited number of patients included in the trials may suggest that further randomized, controlled studies are needed to determine if SSRIs may be used routinely in daily clinical practice in such a population.

The Effect of Hope Therapy on the Management of Hemodialysis Outcomes: A Review Article

Hemodialysis can have specific adverse effects, so it's critical to minimize them by employing non-pharmacological techniques. This review's primary goal was to assess how hope therapy affected the treatment of hemodialysis patients. This review was conducted by analyzing the results of previous studies published between 1996 and 2023. We chose sixteen studies in consideration of the inclusion and exclusion criteria and by employing Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms to the literature discussed in international databases. The findings of the current study revealed that hope therapy can significantly reduce anxiety, stress, and depression and also considerably increase happiness, quality of life, and adherence to treatment in hemodialysis patients. In addition, effective interventions for improving hope in hemodialysis patients included spiritual counseling, spiritual therapy, stress management training, intervention based on disease perception, positive thinking training, and other similar methods. Based on the findings, we concluded that the caregivers of hemodialysis patients and their families must use other non-pharmacological methods, especially hope therapy, to reduce the adverse outcomes of hemodialysis.

Geriatric Depression Scale predicts mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine if the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was predictor of mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

A total of 140 HD patients ≥65 years were studied. Symptoms of depression were assessed through GDS and cognitive function through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). GDS scores 0-9 are considered normal (Group 1); scores of 10-20 (Group 2) and 21-30 (Group 3) indicate mild and severe depression.

RESULTS

Median GDS was 13 (11-15): 54 patients in Group 1, 49 in Group 2, and 37 in Group 3. After a follow-up of 58.85 ± 38.8 months, 94 patients died and 46 were alive. Kaplan-Meier survival was significantly lower in patients of Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (log-rank χ2 : 101.9; DF: 2; p < 0.0001). According to Cox regression analysis, mortality was associated with age and GDS, and inversely associated with MMSE and Kt/V.

CONCLUSION

GDS predicts mortality in elderly HD patients.

Cortical thickness of the rostral anterior cingulate gyrus is associated with frailty in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis in Korea: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is defined as a condition of being weak and delicate, and it represents a state of high vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that the cingulate gyrus is associated with frailty in the elderly population. However, few imaging studies have explored the relationship between frailty and the cingulate gyrus in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

Eighteen right-handed patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled in the study. We used the FreeSurfer software package to estimate the cortical thickness of the regions of interest, including the rostral anterior, caudal anterior, isthmus, and posterior cingulate gyri. The Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and laboratory tests were also conducted.

RESULTS

The cortical thickness of the right rostral anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) was significantly correlated with the Fried frailty index, age, and creatinine level. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the cortical thickness of the right rostral ACG was associated with frailty after controlling for age and creatinine level.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the cortical thickness of the rostral ACG may be associated with frailty in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis and that the rostral ACG may play a role in the frailty mechanism of this population.

Positive Psychological Intervention Delivered Using Virtual Reality in Patients on Hemodialysis With Comorbid Depression: Protocol and Design for the Joviality Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is highly prevalent in individuals on hemodialysis, but it is infrequently identified and remains undertreated. In this paper, we present details of the methodology of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 5-week positive psychological intervention in individuals on hemodialysis with comorbid depression delivered using immersive virtual reality (VR) technology.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to describe the protocol and design of the Joviality trial whose main objectives are 2-fold: determine the feasibility of the Joviality VR software through metrics capturing rates of recruitment, refusal, retention, noncompliance, and adherence, as well as end-user feedback; and assess preliminary efficacy for outcomes measures of depressive symptoms, psychological well-being and distress, quality of life, treatment adherence, clinical biomarkers, and all-cause hospitalizations.

METHODS

This 2-arm RCT is scheduled to enroll 84 individuals on hemodialysis with comorbid depression from multiple outpatient centers in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Enrollees will be randomized to the following groups: VR-based Joviality positive psychological intervention or sham VR (2D wildlife footage and nature-based settings with inert music presented using a head-mounted display). To be eligible, individuals must be on hemodialysis for at least 3 months, have Beck Depression Inventory-II scores of ≥11 (ie, indicative of mild-to-severe depressive symptoms), be aged ≥21 years, and be fluent in English or Spanish. The Joviality VR software was built using agile design principles and incorporates fully immersive content, digital avatars, and multiplex features of interactability. Targeted skills of the intervention include noticing positive events, positive reappraisal, gratitude, acts of kindness, and mindful or nonjudgmental awareness. The primary outcomes include metrics of feasibility and acceptability, along with preliminary efficacy focused on decreasing symptoms of depression. The secondary and tertiary outcomes include quality of life, treatment adherence, clinical biomarkers, and all-cause hospitalization rates. There are 4 assessment time points: baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention. We hypothesize that depressive symptoms and hemodialysis-related markers of disease will substantially improve in participants randomized to the VR-based Joviality positive psychology treatment arm compared with those in the attention control condition.

RESULTS

This RCT is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and is scheduled to commence participant recruitment in June 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will be the first to test custom-built VR software to deliver a positive psychological intervention, chairside, in individuals on hemodialysis to reduce symptoms of depression. Within the context of an RCT using an active control arm, if proven effective, VR technology may become a potent tool to deliver mental health programming in clinical populations during their outpatient treatment sessions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05642364; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05642364.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/45100.

The relationship between depression, anxiety, quality of life levels, and the chronic kidney disease stage in the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

PURPOSE

Decreased quality of life, anxiety, depression, and other negative psychosocial factors in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may lead to the patient's attitudes that reduce treatment effectiveness. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the depression, anxiety, perceived social support, genetic psychosocial risk and quality of life levels, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage in ADPKD and to investigate the relationship between these variables/parameters and the dietary compliance that is an essential factor in the course of the disease.

METHODS

100 ADPKD patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L) health-related quality of life ındex, EuroQol-5D-3L visual analog scale (EQ-5D-3L VAS), multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9, and genetic psychosocial risk ınstrument (GPRI) were applied to the patients.

RESULTS

There is a relationship with negative regression coefficient between the CKD stage and the total scores of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-3L VAS scales (p < 0.000 and β =  - 5.355, p < 0.000, and β =  - 8.394, respectively). There is a relationship with positive regression coefficient between the CKD stage and MSPSS total score and level (p < 0.000 and β = 0.364, p < 0.000 and β = 0.331, respectively). There is no relationship between the CKD stage and GPRI total score (p = 0.800). In addition, there is a relationship with positive regression coefficient between the dietary compliance and EQ-5D and EQ-5D VAS total scores (p = 0.006 and β = 2.687, p = 0.004 and β = 3.148, respectively). There is a relationship with negative regression coefficient between the dietary adherence and PHQ-9 total score and CKD stage (p = 0.003, p = 0.006, and β =  - 0.692, respectively).

CONCLUSION

As the CKD stage increases in the ADPKD patients, the quality of life decreases, whereas the level of anxiety and depression increases. It has been seen that the ADPKD patients with more depressive complaints have less dietary compliance. In this particular patient group, the early detection and treatment of psychosocial difficulties and the work to improve the quality of life that affect the course of the ADPKD may be as important as the medical treatment. To determine the needs of ADPKD patients with multiple physical and psychosocial difficulties and to perform appropriate interventions, we think that there is a necessity for a specific scale that evaluates these effective components together in the ADPKD process.

Epidemiology of haemodialysis outcomes

Haemodialysis (HD) is the commonest form of kidney replacement therapy in the world, accounting for approximately 69% of all kidney replacement therapy and 89% of all dialysis. Over the last six decades since the inception of HD, dialysis technology and patient access to the therapy have advanced considerably, particularly in high-income countries. However, HD availability, accessibility, cost and outcomes vary widely across the world and, overall, the rates of impaired quality of life, morbidity and mortality are high. Cardiovascular disease affects more than two-thirds of people receiving HD, is the major cause of morbidity and accounts for almost 50% of mortality. In addition, patients on HD have high symptom loads and are often under considerable financial strain. Despite the many advances in HD technology and delivery systems that have been achieved since the treatment was first developed, poor outcomes among patients receiving HD remain a major public health concern. Understanding the epidemiology of HD outcomes, why they might vary across different populations and how they might be improved is therefore crucial, although this goal is hampered by the considerable heterogeneity in the monitoring and reporting of these outcomes across settings.

This Review examines the epidemiology of haemodialysis outcomes — clinical, patient-reported and surrogate outcomes — across world regions and populations, including vulnerable individuals. The authors also discuss the current status of monitoring and reporting of haemodialysis outcomes and potential strategies for improvement.

Nearly 4 million people in the world are living on kidney replacement therapy (KRT), and haemodialysis (HD) remains the commonest form of KRT, accounting for approximately 69% of all KRT and 89% of all dialysis.

Dialysis technology and patient access to KRT have advanced substantially since the 1960s, particularly in high-income countries. However, HD availability, accessibility, cost and outcomes continue to vary widely across countries, particularly among disadvantaged populations (including Indigenous peoples, women and people at the extremes of age).

Cardiovascular disease affects over two-thirds of people receiving HD, is the major cause of morbidity and accounts for almost 50% of mortality; mortality among patients on HD is significantly higher than that of their counterparts in the general population, and treated kidney failure has a higher mortality than many types of cancer. Patients on HD also experience high burdens of symptoms, poor quality of life and financial difficulties.

Careful monitoring of the outcomes of patients on HD is essential to develop effective strategies for risk reduction. Outcome measures are highly variable across regions, countries, centres and segments of the population. Establishing kidney registries that collect a variety of clinical and patient-reported outcomes using harmonized definitions is therefore crucial.

Evaluation of HD outcomes should include the impact on family and friends, and personal finances, and should examine inequities in disadvantaged populations, who comprise a large proportion of the HD population.

Dialysis Patients’ Preferences on Resuscitation: A Cross-Sectional Study Design

Background:

End-stage kidney disease is associated with a 10- to 100-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality compared with age-, sex-, and race-matched population. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in this cohort has poor outcomes and leads to increased functional morbidity.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess patients’ preferences toward CPR and advance care planning (ACP).

Design:

cross-sectional study design.

Setting:

Two outpatient dialysis units.

Patients:

Adults undergoing dialysis for more than 3 months were included. Exclusion criteria were severe cognitive impairment or non-English-speaking patients.

Measurements:

A structured interview with the use of Willingness to Accept Life-Sustaining Treatment (WALT) tool.

Methods:

Demographic data were collected, and baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Patient Health Questionnaire–9, Duke Activity Status Index, Charlson comorbidity index, and WALT instruments were used. Descriptive analysis, chi-square, and t test were performed along with probability plot for testing hypotheses.

Results:

Seventy participants were included in this analysis representing a 62.5% response rate. There was a clear association between treatment burden, anticipated clinical outcome, and the likelihood of that outcome with patient preferences. Low-burden treatment with expected return to baseline was associated with 98.5% willingness to accept treatment, whereas high-burden treatment with expected return to baseline was associated with 94.2% willingness. When the outcome was severe functional or cognitive impairment, then 45.7% and 28.5% would accept low-burden treatment, respectively. The response changed based on the likelihood of the outcome. In terms of resuscitation, more than 75% of the participants would be in favor of receiving CPR and mechanical ventilation at their current health state. Over 94% of patients stated they had never discussed ACP, whereas 59.4% expressed their wish to discuss this with their primary nephrologist.

Limitations:

Limited generalizability due to lack of diversity. Unclear decision stability due to changes in health status and patients’ priorities.

Conclusions:

ACP should be incorporated in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) to improve communication and encourage patient involvement.

Better health-related quality of life in kidney transplant patients compared to chronic kidney disease patients with similar renal function

Renal functional deterioration is associated with physical and mental burdens for kidney transplant (KT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over time in KT patients compared to that of native CKD patients has not been evaluated. We addressed this issue using KT patients registered in the KNOW-KT cohort study and patients at CKD stage 1–3 registered in the KNOW-CKD cohort study. HRQOL scores were assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form at baseline, 2-, and 4-years follow-up in 842 KT patients and at baseline and 5-year follow-up in 1,355 CKD patients. SF-36 scores declined at the 4-year follow-up, whereas CKD-targeted scores showed no change in the KT group. In contrast, CKD-targeted scores as well as SF-36 scores were decreased at the 5-year follow-up in CKD patients. When prognostic factors were analyzed for longitudinal HRQOL data over time, renal functions, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hemoglobin level, marital status, income, employment, and health care were significant prognostic factors. Furthermore, KT was an independent prognostic factor for better HRQOL. These results highlight that KT can offer a better HRQOL than that of CKD patients, even when renal function is similar.

Psychological Profiles of Chinese Patients With Hemodialysis During the Panic of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background: Hemodialysis patients not only suffer from somatic disorders but are also at high risks of psychiatric problems. Early this year, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused great panic and anxiety worldwide. The impact of this acute public health event on the psychological status of hemodialysis patients and its relationship with their quality of life have not been fully investigated. Methods: This study comprised two parts. The initial study enrolled maintenance hemodialysis patients treated in Ruijin Hospital for more than 3 months from March to May 2020 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Patients completed three questionnaires including the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) Short Form (SF). Follow-up study was performed from December 2020 to January 2021, when the pandemic of COVID-19 has been effectively contained in China. Only patients enrolled in the initial study were approached to participate in the follow-up study. Results: There were 273 maintenance dialysis patients enrolled in the initial study and 247 finished the follow-up study. For the initial study, the estimated prevalence of nonspecific psychiatric morbidity was 45.8% (125/273) by GHQ-28. By IES-R, 53/273 (19.4%) patients presented with total scores above 24 that reflected clinical concerns. We found a significant difference regarding KDQOL scores between patients with different stress response (IES-R) groups (p = 0.026). Our follow-up study showed that KDQOL and SF-36 scores were significantly improved in comparison with those in the initial study (p = 0.006 and p = 0.031, respectively). Though total scores of GHQ-28 and IES-R did not change significantly, some subscales improved with statistical significance. Furthermore, gender, education background, and duration of hemodialysis were three factors that may affect patients' mental health, quality of life, or health status while dialysis duration was the only variable that correlated with those parameters. However, these correlations were combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dialysis itself. Conclusions: We found a correlation between changes in the mental health status of dialysis patients and changes in their quality of life. These responses were also mediated by patients' psychosocial parameters. Our results urge the necessity of psychotherapeutic interventions for some patients during this event.

Does Depression and Anxiety Mediate the Relation between Limited Health Literacy and Diet Non-Adherence?

Limited health literacy (HL), depression and anxiety are common in dialyzed patients and affect health outcomes and self-management. We explored whether depression and anxiety mediate the association of HL with diet non-adherence (DN-A) in dialyzed patients. We performed a cross-sectional study in 20 dialysis clinics in Slovakia (n = 452; mean age: 63.6 years; males: 60.7%). Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to create three HL groups. Logistic regression adjusted for age, gender and education was used to explore whether depression and anxiety mediate the association of HL with DN-A. Patients in the moderate HL group were more likely to be non-adherent to diet (OR (Odds Ratio)/95% CI: 2.19/1.21-3.99) than patients in the high HL group. Patients in the low HL and moderate HL group more likely reported depression or anxiety. Patients reporting depression (OR/95% CI: 1.94/1.26-2.98) or anxiety (OR/95% CI: 1.81/1.22-2.69) were more likely to be non-adherent with diet. Adjustment for depression reduced the association between moderate HL and DN-A by 19.5%. Adjustment for anxiety reduced the association between moderate HL and DN-A by 11.8%. Anxiety and depression partly mediated the association of HL with DN-A. More attention should be paid to treating patients' psychological distress to ensure adequate adherence with recommended diet.

Illness perceptions of Turkish Cypriot patients receiving haemodialysis: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Illness perceptions refer to cognitive appraisals that help patients understand and make sense of their condition. Although their importance in health behaviour and outcomes has been evidenced, less is known about cultural influences on mental representations of kidney failure amongst patients receiving haemodialysis in different settings.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the illness perceptions of Turkish patients receiving haemodialysis in North Cyprus (Turkish Cypriots).

DESIGN

A qualitative study involving individual semistructured interviews.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen patients receiving haemodialysis, recruited from three state hospitals in North Cyprus.

APPROACH

All interviews were conducted in Turkish, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. They were analysed inductively in the original language using reflexive thematic analysis. Once the analysis was completed, it was translated into English. Quality assurance was integral to the research process to retain semantic equivalence.

FINDINGS

Three themes were developed. "Illness appraisal" highlighted a lack of factual knowledge about kidney failure and how this is related to attempts at sense-making, whilst retaining hope for the future. "Life-changing effects" centred around the negative consequences of haemodialysis across multiple domains (e.g., emotional and physical). "Active coping strategies" focused on mechanisms that patients adopt to manage the burden of haemodialysis, particularly approaches that are culturally rooted.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for better communication to address the lack of individual patient knowledge about kidney failure. Haemodialysis is described as a burdensome treatment though existing coping mechanisms suggest that psycho-spiritual interventions may be advantageous to aid adjustment for Turkish Cypriots receiving haemodialysis.

Poor Sleep Quality, Depression and Social Support Are Determinants of Serum Phosphate Level among Hemodialysis Patients in Malaysia

Despite optimal control of serum phosphate level being imperative to avoid undesirable health outcomes, hyperphosphataemia is a highly prevalent mineral abnormality among the dialysis population. This study aimed to determine factors associated with hyperphosphatemia among hemodialysis patients in Malaysia. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to ascertain the possible factors that influence serum phosphate levels. A total of 217 hemodialysis patients were recruited. Hyperphosphatemia was prevalent. Only approximately 25% of the patients were aware that optimal control of hyperphosphatemia requires the combined effort of phosphate binder medication therapy, dietary restriction, and dialysis prescription. The presence of diabetes mellitus may affect serum phosphate levels, complicating dietary phosphorus management. Patients who were less depressive portrayed higher serum phosphate levels, implying intentional non-compliance. Better compliance on phosphate binder, longer sleep duration, and higher social support was associated with a lower level of serum phosphate. Despite sleep disturbance being one of the most prevalent and intense symptom burdens identified by hemodialysis patients, relatively few studies have addressed this issue. It is time to formulate sleep therapeutic interventions besides the encouragement of strong social support, hoping which many clinical outcomes including hyperphosphatemia can be better controlled among hemodialysis patients.

Evaluating symptom burden in kidney transplant recipients: validation of the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System for kidney transplant recipients - a single-center, cross-sectional study

We assessed the validity of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). A cross-sectional sample of 252 KTR was recruited. Individual ESAS-r symptom scores and symptom domain scores were evaluated. Internal consistency, convergent validity, and construct validity were assessed with Cronbach's α, Spearman's rank correlations, and a priori-defined risk group comparisons. Mean (SD) age was 51 (16), 58% were male, and 58% Caucasian. ESAS-r Physical, Emotional, and Global Symptom Scores demonstrated good internal consistency (α > 0.8 for all). ESAS-r Physical and Global Symptom Scores strongly correlated with PHQ-9 scores (0.72, 95% CI: 0.64-0.78 and 0.74, 95% CI: 0.67-0.80). For a priori-defined risk groups, individual ESAS-r symptom score differed between groups with lower versus higher eGFR [pain: 1 (0-3) vs. 0 (0-2), delta = 0.18; tiredness: 3 (1-5) vs. 1.5 (0-4), delta = 0.21] and lower versus higher hemoglobin [tiredness: 3 (1-6) vs. 2 (0-4), delta = 0.27]. ESAS-r Global and Physical Symptom Scores differed between groups with lower versus higher hemoglobin [13 (6-29) vs. 6.5 (0-18.5), delta = 0.3, and 9 (2-19) vs. 4 (0-13), delta = 0.24] and lower versus higher eGFR [11 (4-20) vs. 6.5 (2-13), delta = 0.21, and 7 (2-16) vs. 3 (0-9), delta = 0.26]. These data support reliability and construct validity of ESAS-r in KTR. Future studies should explore its clinical utility for symptom assessment among KTR.

Fatal external bleeding from self-severed arterial dialysis tube: An unusual method of suicide

A high risk of suicide has been observed in adults with end-stage renal disease who are undergoing haemodialysis. Since suicide is preventable, early screening, a prompt multidisciplinary approach and appropriate treatment of depression are critical and are recommended to treating physicians. Recently, the case of a woman with end-stage renal disease who had been undergoing haemodialysis was encountered. She died by suicide after self-severing the temporary haemodialysis catheter secured to the right side of her neck. This method of suicide is unusual and rare. This case not only underscores the association between haemodialysis and suicide in patients with end-stage renal disease but also raises awareness of the possibility of such deaths.

Cognitive, Emotional and Psychological Manifestations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at Baseline and Overtime: A Review

It is now well recognized that, in addition to motor impairment, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may cause extra-motor clinical signs and symptoms. These can include the alteration of certain cognitive functions, impaired social cognition, and changes in the perception and processing of emotions. Where these extra-motor manifestations occur in ALS, they usually do so from disease onset. In about 10% of cases, the cognitive and behavioral changes meet the diagnostic criteria for frontotemporal dementia. The timecourse of behavioral and cognitive involvement in ALS is unclear. Whereas longitudinal studies have failed to show cognitive decline over time, some cross-sectional studies have demonstrated poorer cognitive performances in the advanced stages of the disease. Neuroimaging studies show that in ALS, extra-motor signs and symptoms are associated with specific brain lesions, but little is known about how they change over time. Finally, patients with ALS appear less depressed than might be expected, given the prognosis. Moreover, many patients achieve satisfactory psychosocial adjustment throughout the course of the disease, regardless of their degree of motor disability. There are scant longitudinal data on extra-motor impairment in ALS, and to our knowledge, no systematic review on this subject has yet been published. Even so, a better understanding of patients' clinical trajectory is essential if they are to be provided with tailored care and given the best possible support. We therefore undertook to review the evidence for extra-motor changes and their time course in ALS, in both the cognitive, emotional and psychological domains, with a view to identifying mechanisms that may help these patients cope with their disease.

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.

Dimensions of Depressive Symptoms and Their Association With Mortality, Hospitalization, and Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Unraveling specific dimensions of depressive symptoms may help to improve screening and treatment in dialysis patients. We aimed to identify the best-fitting factorial structure for the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI) in dialysis patients and to assess the relation of these structure dimensions with quality of life (QoL), hospitalization, and mortality.

METHODS

This prospective study included chronic dialysis patients from 10 dialysis centers in five hospitals between 2012 and 2017. Dimensions of depressive symptoms within the BDI were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. To investigate the clinical impact of these dimensions, the associations between symptom dimensions and QoL, hospitalization rate, and mortality were investigated using logistic, Poisson, and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Multivariable regression models included demographic, social, and clinical variables.

RESULTS

In total, 687 dialysis patients were included. The factor model that included a general and a somatic factor provided the best-fitting structure of the BDI-II. Only the somatic dimension scores were associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio of 1.7 [1.2-2.5], p < .007) in the multivariable model. All dimensions were associated with increased hospitalization rate and reduced QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The somatic dimension of the BDI-II in dialysis patients was associated with all-cause mortality, increased hospitalization rate, and reduced QoL. Other dimensions were associated with hospitalization rate and decreased QoL. These findings show that symptom dimensions of depression have differential association with adverse clinical outcomes. Future studies should take symptom dimensions into account when investigating depression-related pathways, screening, and treatment effects in dialysis patients.

Depression and anxiety among patients undergoing dialysis and kidney transplantation: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent psychological disorders among end-stage renal disease patients and are associated with various conditions that result in poorer health outcomes, e.g. reduced quality of life and survival. We aimed to investigate the prevalences of depression and anxiety among patients undergoing renal replacement therapy.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

METHODS

Patients' depression and anxiety levels were assessed using the Beck Inventory. The independent variables were the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Charlson Comorbidity Index and Global Subjective Assessment, along with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

205 patients were included. Depression and anxiety symptoms were detected in 41.7% and 32.3% of dialysis patients and 13.3% and 20.3% of transplantation patients, respectively. Lower SF-36 mental summary scores were associated with depression among transplantation patients (odds ratio, OR: 0.923; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.85-0.99; P = 0.03) and dialysis patients (OR: 0.882; 95% CI: 0.83-0.93; P ≤ 0.001). Physical component summary was associated with depression among dialysis patients (OR: 0.906; 95% CI: 0.85-0.96; P = 0.001). Loss of vascular access (OR: 3.672; 95% CI: 1.05-12.78; P = 0.04), comorbidities (OR: 1.578; 95% CI: 1.09-2.27; P = 0.01) and poorer SF-36 mental (OR: 0.928; 95% CI: 0.88-0.97; P = 0.002) and physical (OR: 0.943; 95% CI: 0.89-0.99; P = 0.03) summary scores were associated with anxiety among -dialysis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression and anxiety symptoms occurred more frequently among patients undergoing dialysis. Quality of life, comorbidities and loss of vascular access were associated factors.

Social support buffers the negative effects of stress in cardiac patients: a cross-sectional study with acute coronary syndrome patients

Cardiac patients who have social support generally have better prognosis than patients who lack social support. Several theoretical mechanisms have been proposed to explain this protective effect, including the capacity of social support to buffer the negative effects of stress. We tested this buffering effect in a study of patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Spain. Several days after the cardiac event patients answered a questionnaire measuring stressful events during their lifetime, perceived social support around the time of the cardiac event, and depression symptoms in the past week. Results showed that stressful life events were related to depressive symptoms and worse renal function post-ACS only among patients with low perceived social support. Among patients who reported enough social support, lifetime stress was not related to depressive symptoms. No similar effects were observed on other prognostic indicators such as troponin levels or the number of obstructed arteries. These results suggest that social support can buffer the negative effects of stress on the mental and physical well-being of cardiac patients.

Wasting in Chronic Kidney Disease – a Complex Issue

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a global health burden and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In particular, wasting is highly prevalent in later stages of the illness with muscle loss being a common problem. The aetiology and progression of this wasting is complex and multiple states have been identified linked to wasting in CKD. These include: ‘malnutrition’, ‘disease-related malnutrition’, ‘protein-energy wasting’, ‘cachexia’, ‘sarcopenia’, ‘frailty’ and ‘muscle wasting’. The purpose of this paper is to review these terms in the context of CKD. Common features include weight loss, loss of muscle mass and muscle function principally driven by CKD disease specific factors and inflammatory mediators. Disease-related malnutrition would appear to be a more appropriate term for CKD than malnutrition as it take in to consideration disease specific factors such as inflammation for example.  Frailty is commonly associated with age-related decline in physiological function. Development of novel screening tools measuring across multiple domains of nutritional status, muscle and physical function may be useful in CKD. Research into potential treatments are currently underway with focus on multi-modal therapies including nutrition, resistance training and anabolic drugs such as myostatin blockade and selective androgen receptor modulators. A better understanding of different states and terms may help guide assessment and treatment opportunities for patients.

Feasibility of an Internet-based positive psychological intervention for hemodialysis patients with symptoms of depression

BACKGROUND

Depression is a pervasive psychological issue facing hemodialysis (HD) patients. Novel technology-based treatment strategies that deploy psychology-based interventions have not been the focus for therapy and few published studies exist. The aim of the current trial is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an Internet-based positive psychological intervention in HD patients with comorbid depressive symptoms.

METHODS

HD patients (n = 14) with elevated symptoms of depression were enrolled in a single-arm pre-post trial with clinical assessments at baseline and immediately post intervention. Chairside during regularly scheduled HD treatment, patients utilized a web browser to complete online modules promoting skills for increasing positive emotion over a 5-week period using Apple IPads. Targeted skills included noting of daily positive events, gratitude, positive reappraisal, acts of kindness, and mindfulness/meditation.

RESULTS

Twelve of 14 patients completed the program for an 85.7% retention rate. Participants felt satisfied with each session and offered consistently positive feedback. On average, participants visited the website 3.5 times per week. Significant improvements were evident for depressive symptoms (15.3 vs. 10.9; p = 0.04), as per the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

An innovative Internet-based positive psychological intervention represents a feasible and useful therapeutic option for HD patients with depressive symptoms.

Rationale and design of technology assisted stepped collaborative care intervention to improve patient-centered outcomes in hemodialysis patients (TĀCcare trial)

Most hemodialysis (HD) patients experience symptoms of depression, pain and fatigue that impair their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) significantly. These symptoms are associated with increased hospitalization and mortality, mediated by behavioral factors (e.g. non-adherence to medication and dialysis) and biological factors (e.g. inflammatory cytokines). Prior interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve HRQOL showed limited effectiveness in HD patients and their effect on bio-behavioral mediators is lacking evidence. It is imperative to improve patient-centered dialysis care and to address call from Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines for integration of symptom assessment and management in routine HD-care. Technology-Assisted stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) is a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 150 diverse HD patients from Pennsylvania and New Mexico, designed to compare the effectiveness of a 12-week stepped collaborative care intervention (cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT) with an attention control arm of technology-delivered health education. Collaborative care provides an integrated multi-disciplinary structured management plan. Furthermore, a stepped approach to pharmacotherapy and/or CBT allows for individualization of treatment according to patients' clinical status, preferences and treatment response. To simplify the delivery of CBT and to minimize patient and provider burden, we will use live video-conferencing with patients in dialysis units. We will examine the effect of these interventions on patient symptoms, HRQOL, treatment adherence and inflammatory biomarkers. This RCT tests a readily implementable intervention that can be integrated in routine HD-care and will generate novel and meaningful insights on strategies to alleviate common symptoms and improve HRQOL in HD.

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.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety in end-stage renal disease: A survey of patients undergoing hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Dialysis is a lifelong treatment required by end stage renal disease patients who are not able to undergo renal transplantation. Dialysis impacts the patients' quality of life drastically, increasing the risk of mortality. Depression and anxiety are commonly reported among dialysis patients, but their prevalence and correlates vary by sociocultural context.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and associated factors among patients receiving hemodialysis at a major tertiary referral medical center in Lebanon that receives patients from all over the country.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used.

METHODS

Ninety patients receiving hemodialysis were targeted using convenience sampling, with a final sample size of 83 patients. The patients were interviewed while undergoing their dialysis session using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and asked demographic and clinical questions.

RESULTS

The majority of participants were married men over 60 years of age; 48% achieved high school education. Depression was prevalent in 40.8% and anxiety in 39.6%, with 20 patients (24.1%) having both conditions. Although 24.1% self-reported anxiety symptoms, only 2.4% were taking anxiolytics. Illiterate patients had significantly higher depression scores than those with higher levels of education (p = 0.021). Patients who were living with their family had higher anxiety scores than those living alone (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Anxiety and depression are underdiagnosed and undertreated in Lebanese dialysis patients. Screening and appropriate referral to mental health specialists are needed.

Suicide and chronic kidney disease: a case-control study

Background

The association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis with suicide is not well established. The objectives of this study were to assess the association of suicide with CKD and dialysis and investigate whether differences exist between dialysis modalities or the durations of dialysis.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 51 642 patients who died from suicide between 2000 and 2012 and 206 568 living control patients matched by age, gender and residency area were examined. Known risk factors included sociodemographic characteristics, physical comorbidities and psychiatric disorders, which were controlled for as covariates in the analysis. The crude odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted ORs (aORs) for various risk factors were obtained using conditional logistic regression.

Results

After potential confounders were controlled for, CKD was significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide [aOR = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-1.34]. End-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis (HD) had an increased risk of suicide compared with controls (aOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 3.02-3.72). Moreover, patients who initially underwent dialysis within 0-3 months had a significantly increased risk of suicide (aOR = 20.26, 95% CI = 15.99-25.67).

Conclusions

CKD and HD are positively associated with suicide. Suicide is preventable; therefore, assessing mental and physical disorders is essential and recommended to all physicians, particularly those treating patients in the early phase of HD.

Palliative Care Gaps in Providing Psychological Treatment: A Review of the Current State of Research in Multidisciplinary Palliative Care

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced illness often have high rates of psychological symptoms. Many multicomponent palliative care intervention studies have investigated the efficacy of overall symptom reduction; however, little research has focused explicitly on how interventions address psychological symptoms associated with serious illness.

METHODS

The current study reviewed 59 multicomponent palliative care intervention articles and analyzed the mental health components of palliative care interventions and their outcomes in order to better understand the current state of psychological care in palliative care.

RESULTS

The majority of articles (69.5%) did not provide any details regarding the psychological component delivered as part of the palliative care intervention. Most (54.2%) studies did not specify which provider on the team was responsible for providing the psychological intervention. Studies varied regarding the type of outcome measure utilized; multi-symptom assessment scales were used in 54.2% of studies, mental health scales were employed in 25.4%, quality of life and distress scales were used in 16.9%, and no psychological scales were reported in 28.8%. Fewer than half the studies (42.4%) documented a change in a psychological outcome.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The majority of analyzed studies failed to describe how psychological symptoms were identified and treated, which discipline on the team provided the treatment, and whether psychological symptoms improved as a result of the intervention. Future research evaluating the effects of palliative care interventions on psychological symptoms will benefit from using reliable and valid psychological outcome measures and providing specificity regarding the psychological components of the intervention and who provides it.

Emotional disturbance assessed by the Self-Rating Depression Scale test is associated with mortality among Japanese Hemodialysis patients

Emotional disturbance including depression is associated with increased mortality among dialysis patients. The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) is a simple tool for assessing emotional disturbance. This study investigated the relationship between emotional conditions as assessed with the SDS test and mortality among 491 hemodialysis patients. At baseline, 183 (37.3%), 180 (36.7%), 108 (22.0%), and 20 (4.1%) were classified as normal, borderline depression, depression, and severe depression, respectively. During the two years of observation period, 57 of 491 (11.6%) died. The SDS scores in the non-survivors were significantly higher than those in the survivors (p<0.0001). Logistic analyses showed that the diagnoses made by the SDS test were associated with significantly greater risks for all-cause mortality (99%CI: 1.905-3.698 for that without adjustment, 1.999-4.382 for that with full adjustment). When the SDS score = 50 was selected as the cut off value, the test screened two-year all cause death with sensitivity = 57.9% and the specificity = 78.1%. In conclusion, hemodialysis patients had high prevalence of emotional disturbance assessed by the SDS test, and high SDS score was significantly associated with all-cause mortality. These findings underscore the importance of screening for emotional conditions using the SDS test among hemodialysis patients.

The Correlations among Depressive Symptoms, Cognitive Performance and Serum BDNF Levels in the Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE

In the current study, we investigated whether there are relations among depressive symptoms, cognitive performance and serum BDNF levels in the patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

Sixty patients with CKD and 65 healthy controls participated. Depressive symptoms were evaluated with Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Mini-Mental State Examination included in the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (MMSE-KC) assessment packet was used for the evaluation of overall cognitive function. To assess memory function, the Korean version of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (K-HVLT) was used. BDNF levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

RESULTS

The CKD patients showed more depressive symptoms when compared with controls. The depressive symptoms and cognitive function were not associated with serum BDNF levels in the CKD patients.

CONCLUSION

In the current study, CKD patients had more depressive symptoms when compared controls. However, the serum BDNF levels of CKD patients were not associated with depressive symptoms and cognitive functions. These findings suggested that the serum BDNF levels may not be reflect the cognitive function and depressive mood state in the CKD patients.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplant-Part 1

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex medical condition that is associated with several comorbidities and requires comprehensive medical management. Given the chronic nature of the condition, its frequent association with psychosocial distress, and its very significant symptom burden, the subjective patient experience is key toward understanding the true impact of CKD on the patients’ life. Patient-reported outcome measures are important tools that can be used to support patient-centered care and patient engagement during the complex management of patients with CKD. The routine collection and use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical practice may improve quality of care and outcomes, and may provide useful data to understand the disease from both an individual and a population perspective. Many tools used to measure PROs focus on assessing health-related quality of life, which is significantly impaired among patients with CKD. Health-related quality of life, in addition to being an important outcome itself, is associated with clinical outcomes such as health care use and mortality. In Part 1 of this review, we provide an overview of PROs and implications of their use in the context of CKD. In Part 2, we will review the selection of appropriate measures and the relevant domains of interest for patients with CKD.

The Relationship between Burden and Depression in Spouses of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the burden and depression in spouses of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The interrelation between burden and depression in family caregivers has been pointed out by previous researches in several chronic diseases and researchers agree that they clearly go together and one cannot talk about one without considering the other. More particularly, in the present study, the caregiver burden, the depression, anxiety, and also health-related quality of life and demographic factors of spouses of patients with CKD were examined, using self-report questionnaires. Participants were 50 spouses of patients with CKD, 29 of whom were dialysis dependent and 21 were not dialysis dependent. Group differences were examined for participants. Results confirm the interrelation between caregiver burden and depression in spouses. The increased perceived burden related to higher levels of depression. Low levels of caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, and satisfactory quality of life were found in spouses, with no differences between them relevant to whether the patients were dialysis dependent or not. All the above parameters interrelated. Implications for the findings and future research directions are discussed.

Are Depression and Anxiety Common in Hemodialyzed Patients?

Researchers confirmed that depression and anxiety are two common comorbid disorders in chronic kidney patients. The aim of our study was to screen the level of depression and anxiety in a group of end-stage kidney diseases treated with hemodialysis. The evaluated sample comprised 230 participants; 110 females (mean age 55.5±13.5 years), and 120 males (mean age 54.5±14.3 years). The mean duration of maintenance dialysis was 8.3±5.8 years (from 0.5 to 24 years). Patients were selected randomly from three dialysis centers in R. Macedonia. As psychometric instruments Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and scores from Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-201) were used. Our study confirmed that majority of evaluated dialyzed patients are depressed and anxious in different level, but unfortunately the mental problems are frequently unrecognized. We suggested some response measures for management of these conditions in order to avoid risks for complications as well of suicide.

Association of restless legs syndrome and mortality in end-stage renal disease: an analysis of the United States Renal Data System (USRDS)

Background

Objective of the study is to assess prevalence and survival among end stage renal disease patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) within a national database (USRDS).

Methods

A case-control, retrospective analysis was performed. Differences in characteristics between the groups, RLS and those with no sleep disorder (NSD), were determined using χ2 tests. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess survival between those with RLS and propensity score matched controls.

Results

Cases of restless legs syndrome were defined as patients that had received an ICD-9 code of 333.94 at any point during their treatment (n = 372). RLS group demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of patients with major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, anxiety, depression, minor depressive disorder, and psychological disorder. The difference between the survival was not statistically significant in those without sleep disorder as compared to those with RLS (HR =1.16±0.14, p = 0.3).

Conclusions

True prevalence of RLS in dialysis patients can only be estimated if knowledge gap for care providers in diagnosis of RLS is addressed. RLS patients also have increased incidence of certain psychological disorders which needs to be addressed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-017-0660-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Kidney–brain axis inflammatory cross-talk: from bench to bedside

Epidemiologic data suggest that individuals at all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, and dementia. This risk is generally explained by the high prevalence of both symptomatic and subclinical ischemic cerebrovascular lesions. However, other potential mechanisms, including cytokine/chemokine release, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), circulating and local formation of trophic factors and of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) molecules, could also be involved, especially in the absence of obvious cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we discuss experimental and clinical evidence for the role of these mechanisms in kidney–brain cross-talk. In addition, we hypothesize potential pathways for the interactions between kidney and brain and their pathophysiological role in neuropsychiatric and cognitive changes found in patients with CKD. Understanding the pathophysiologic interactions between renal impairment and brain function is important in order to minimize the risk for future cognitive impairment and to develop new strategies for innovative pharmacological treatment.

Emotion-oriented coping increases the risk of depression among caregivers of end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

PURPOSE

We investigated the possible association between coping style and depressive feelings among caregivers of end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

We studied 107 main caregivers of hemodialysis patients. Main caregiver was defined as the person on whom the patient counts for daily care or the one the patient calls upon in case of difficulties. Demographic data of caregivers and clinical data of patients were collected. The Jalowiec Coping Scale was applied to score two styles of coping: problem-oriented coping (POC) and emotion-oriented coping (EOC). Depression was screened by the 20-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A score ≥16 was used to classify depression. Comparisons were made by Student's t and Chi-square tests. The Pearson's test was used to assess correlation between scores. Linear and logistic regressions were used, respectively, to test variables as predictors of the CES-D scores and the presence of depression.

RESULTS

The depression rate among caregivers was 71.9%. In the comparison between depressed and non-depressed caregivers, only EOC score differed, being higher among depressed ones (69.8 vs. 62.4; p < 0.001). EOC score was positively correlated with depression score (r = 0.368; p = <0.001). In the multivariate analysis, EOC independently predicted both the depression score (b = 0.272; p = 0.001) and the presence of depression (OR 1.221; 95% CI 1.123-1.339; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that EOC is associated with and increases the risk of depression among caregivers of HD patients. We propose that strategies aiming to strengthen POC and diminish EOC can be applied to minimize depressive feelings.

Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With Objectively Measured Sleep Parameters in Kidney Transplant Recipients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Both depression and sleep complaints are very prevalent among kidney transplant (kTx) recipients. However, details of the complex relationship between sleep and depression in this population are not well documented. Thus, we investigated the association between depressive symptoms and sleep macrostructure parameters among prevalent kTx recipients.

METHODS

Ninety-five kTx recipients participated in the study (54 males, mean ± standard devation age 51 ± 13 years, body mass index 26 ± 4 kg/m2, estimated glomerular filtration rate 53 ± 19 ml/min/1.73 m2). Symptoms of depression were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale (CES-D). After 1-night polysomnography each recording was visually scored and sleep macrostructure was analyzed.

RESULTS

The CES-D score was significantly associated with the amount of stage 2 sleep (r = 0.20, P < .05), rapid eye movement (REM) latency (r = 0.21, P < .05) and REM percentage (r = -0.24, P < .05), but not with the amount of slow wave sleep (r = -0.12, P > .05). In multivariable linear regression models the CES-D score was independently associated with the amount of stage 2 sleep (β: 0.205; confidence interval: 0.001-0.409; P = .05) and REM latency (β: 0.234; confidence interval: 0.001-0.468; P = .05) after adjustment for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms among kTx recipients are associated with increased amount of stage 2 sleep and prolonged REM latency. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and understand potential clinical implications.

Sleep disturbance and depressive affect in patients treated with haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders and depression are prevalent conditions in patients with end-stage kidney disease. These co-morbidities have significant overlap and compounded morbidity and mortality burden. This overlap presents challenges to optimal clinical assessment and treatment. The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients on maintenance haemodialysis, and to assess the impact of depressive affect.

OBJECTIVES

This was a single-site, single group, cross-sectional study of 69 English-speaking patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Self-reported assessments included those of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), daytime sleepiness (Epworth's Sleepiness Scale), a dialysis-specific sleep questionnaire, and standard laboratory values. No objective sleep information was collected.

METHOD

All participants were well dialysed, and represented all four daily shifts. Fifty-eight per cent reported clinically significant sleep difficulty, with elevated yet sub-threshold daytime sleepiness. Mean depressive affect was also elevated, yet sub-diagnostic and was positively correlated with increased age.

RESULTS

Participants scoring above the diagnostic threshold for depression had significantly more disturbed sleep quality, more daytime sleepiness and had more problems sleeping due to restless leg syndrome than people with minimal depressive affect.

CONCLUSION

Poor sleep quality is prevalent in patients on maintenance haemodialysis, and is associated with increased daytime sleepiness. Depression further compounds this relationship, and is significantly associated with increased daytime sleepiness and restless leg syndrome.

Anxiety in Patients Treated with Hemodialysis

Anxiety is a common yet frequently overlooked psychiatric symptom in patients with ESRD treated with hemodialysis (HD). Anxiety is characterized by disruptive feelings of uncertainty, dread, and fearfulness. A variety of common medical complaints may be manifestations of an anxiety disorder, including palpitations, tremors, indigestion, numbness/tingling, nervousness, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, and fear. It is essential for the clinician to rule out specific medical conditions, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurologic diseases, before ascribing these symptoms to an anxiety disorder. In addition, there is considerable overlap between the symptoms of anxiety and those of depression and uremia. This psychiatric condition has a significant adverse impact on patients' perception of quality of life. Little is known regarding the prevalence and impact of anxiety disorders in patients with ESRD treated with HD; however, many of the seemingly irrational behaviors of patients, or behaviors which place them in conflict with staff and physicians, such as behavioral noncompliance, may be the expression of an underlying anxiety disorder. In this review, we present three clinical vignettes, highlighting the impact of anxiety disorders in patients with ESRD treated with HD.

Impact of end-stage renal disease on psychological status and quality of life

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of children and adolescents with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), to compare these findings with healthy controls, and to evaluate the association between these psychological symptoms, QOL, and clinical variables related to ESRD.

METHODS

Thirty-two children and adolescents 8-18 years of age were enrolled in the study. The sociodemographic data were evaluated. Questionnaires were used to evaluate the psychological status and QOL of the patients and healthy controls.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in mean depression score, which was significantly higher for the ESRD patients. Mean state anxiety score was significantly lower for ESRD patients than for controls. Regarding QOL score, there were significant differences between the ESRD patients and control groups for both child-rated and parent-rated QOL scores, which were significantly lower for ESRD patients. Trait anxiety was a negative predictor of all subscales of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.

CONCLUSIONS

End-stage renal disease was related to significant morbidity and poorer QOL. The assessment and enhancement of QOL and comorbid psychiatric disorders in ESRD should be a part of disease management.

Social Determinants of Racial Disparities in CKD

Significant disparities in CKD rates and outcomes exist between black and white Americans. Health disparities are defined as health differences that adversely affect disadvantaged populations, on the basis of one or more health outcomes. CKD is the complex result of genetic and environmental factors, reflecting the balance of nature and nurture. Social determinants of health have an important role as environmental components, especially for black populations, who are disproportionately disadvantaged. Understanding the social determinants of health and appreciating the underlying differences associated with meaningful clinical outcomes may help nephrologists treat all their patients with CKD in an optimal manner. Altering the social determinants of health, although difficult, may embody important policy and research efforts, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients with kidney diseases, and minimizing the disparities between groups.

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.

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.

Major depressive disorder in hemodialysis patients in China

INTRODUCTION

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been regarded as the most common psychiatric disorder among hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, few studies have investigated MDD in HD patients in Mainland China. This study sought to investigate the prevalence and treatment of MDD, as well as the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in this population.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty HD patients were screened with the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the formal diagnosis of MDD was further assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed with Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Finally, patients meeting diagnostic criteria were compared with those who did not on demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Among the 260 subjects, 26.2% screened positively and 10% were confirmed to have a diagnosis of MDD. Among HD patients with MDD, 69.2% had severe or very severe depressive symptoms. There was no evidence of a clinical diagnosis or of treatment for MDD in any of the patients' medical records. Those with shorter duration of HD, lower monthly income, and lower levels of blood urea nitrogen were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of MDD.

DISCUSSION

MDD is frequent in HD patients. Regular screening and professional diagnosis should be undertaken to increase the detection and treatment of MDD in HD patients. The effectiveness of interventions for MDD in HD patients deserves further research.

Not early referral but planned dialysis improves quality of life and depression in newly diagnosed end stage renal disease patients: a prospective cohort study in Korea

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has recently become an important issue. It reportedly affects morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, we investigated whether early referral and planned dialysis improve the HRQOL and depression of patients with ESRD.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled newly diagnosed patients with ESRD, from 31 hospitals in Korea, who completed questionnaires at 3 months after dialysis. We also got follow-up survey at 1 year after dialysis. To measure HRQOL and depression, Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-36) and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) were utilized.

RESULTS

A total of 643 patients were analyzed. Referral type did not affect either KDQOL-36 or BDI scores. However, the planned dialysis group showed significantly better scores in 4 of 5 KDQOL-36 domains than did the unplanned group at 3 months after dialysis and partly, the effect was sustained for 1 year after dialysis. The benefit of planned dialysis was significant after adjusting for age, sex, type of dialysis, marital status, educational attainment, occupation, modified Charlson comorbidity index, albumin, and hemoglobin levels. BDI scores were also lower which indicate less depressive mood in planned dialysis group than those in unplanned group both at 3 months and 1 year after dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Not early referral but planned dialysis improved both the short- and long-term HRQOL and depression of patients with ESRD. Nephrologists should try to help patients to initiate dialysis in a planned manner.

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.