Association of gastrointestinal involvement and depressive symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
SSc-associated gastrointestinal tract involvement (SSc-GIT) is an important predictor of depressive symptoms. University of California at Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) is a 34-item valid instrument that captures GIT symptom severity and impact on quality of life. It has seven GI-specific scales and a total GIT score. The objectives were to assess: (i) whether there is an association between depressed mood with GI symptom scales as assessed by the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 instrument; and (ii) to explore which GI-specific symptom scales are associated with depressed mood in patients with SSc.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-two patients with SSc completed the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression scale (CES-D10). Patients were divided into depressed (CES-D ≥ 10) or non-depressed group (CES-D < 10) and compared using t-test or chi-square test. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between GI scales and depressed mood (CES-D).


RESULTS
Study participants were 84% female, 78% Caucasian and 40% had depressed mood (CES-D10 ≥ 10). Patients with depressed mood had statistically worse GI scale scores (except fecal soilage) and worse total GIT score (P < 0.05). In the multivariable model reflux and constipation scales were independently associated with worse CES-D scores (P = 0.01-0.06)


CONCLUSIONS
SSc-GIT involvement is associated with depressed mood. Reflux and constipation scales of UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 were independently associated with CES-D. Future studies should assess if treatment of GIT symptoms will improve depressed mood in patients with SSc-GIT.
Bodukam
Vijay
V
Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Hays
Ron D
RD
Maranian
Paul
P
Furst
Daniel E
DE
Seibold
James R
JR
Impens
Ann
A
Mayes
Maureen D
MD
Clements
Philip J
PJ
Khanna
Dinesh
D
D000328:Adult; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires