The effect of depressive symptoms on survival in peritoneal dialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
There is little information on the relationship between depressive symptoms and survival in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We examined whether a single measurement of depressive symptoms using a simple self-administered tool predicts survival.


METHODS
Screening test of depressive symptoms as a predictor of outcome.


METHODS
Three dialysis centers in Southwestern Pennsylvania.


METHODS
66 adult PD subjects were screened in 1997-1998 for depression using the Zung scale.


METHODS
Baseline data collection included assessments of comorbidity, residual renal function, total Kt/V, nPNA, previous renal transplant, and serum albumin. Outcomes were collected prospectively after completion of the depression survey to 12/01. Cox regression analysis of patient survival was performed using all cofactors with p < 0.05 on univariate analysis.


RESULTS
One third of patients had depressive symptoms. Compared to nondepressed patients, depressive symptom patients were older (62.5 vs 52.5 years, p = 0.012), had borderline lower serum albumin levels (3.47 vs 3.70 g/dL, p = 0.058), and were more disabled (Karnofsky score 70 vs 90, p< 0.001), but had similar Kt/V, residual renal function, and previous time on PD at the point of the testing. Using multivariate analysis and controlling for comorbidity (using a measurement that includes diabetes mellitus and age) and serum albumin, the survival of patients with depressive symptoms was significantly reduced compared to nondepressed patients.


CONCLUSIONS
A single measurement of depressive symptoms using a simple self-administered test was an independent predictor of death in a cohort of PD patients, which extends observations in hemodialysis patients. Screening for depressive symptoms should be routine for dialysis patients, and those depressed should have thorough assessment and treatment. Whether treating depression will have an impact on survival is unclear and needs to be studied.
Einwohner
Rebecca
R
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Bernardini
Judith
J
Fried
Linda
L
Piraino
Beth
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015993:Life Tables; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015996:Survival Rate