Comparison of Incidence and Risk of Depression in Recipients of Renal Transplantation and Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in China

Abstract

AimTo investigate depressive symptoms in recipients of renal transplantation (RTx) compared with patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in China. MethodsForty-two Chinese recipients of transplant and 42 Chinese patients on hemodialysis were randomly selected from 2011 to 2012. These 2 groups were assessed with the validated Chinese versions of Hospital Anxiety Depression Scales and Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth edition—after matching by sex, age, marital status, educational background, and somatic comorbidities—for investigation of the relationships of depressive symptoms with sex and family income. ResultsIrritability was common among both groups, but no significant difference was found. Patients undergoing RTx were less likely than patients of HD to report depressive mood (26.1% vs 38.1%; P < .05), diminished interest or pleasure (14.3% vs 31.0%; P < .05), and suicidal ideation including recurrent thoughts of death (33.3% vs 54.8%; P < .05). ConclusionsAmong Chinese patients with end-stage renal disease, improved renal health after RTx reduced the incidence and risk of depression compared with HD. The effective profiling of patients with end-stage renal disease, treated with both RTx and HD, should be more extensive, including examination of all facets of their mental and emotional well-being, to accurately screen for depression.