Abstract
Pronounced symptoms of depression and disorders of cognitive functions can be observed in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The objective of the study was evaluation of the severity of symptoms and predictive factors for depression and the existence of cognitive disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis B. A total of 150 respondents were included in this prospective study (50 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 50 patients with other chronic liver diseases and 50 healthy persons). The patients with chronic hepatitis B were homogeneous by age compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.566) and patients with other chronic liver diseases (p = 0.528). Assessment of intensity of depression was determined by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). A Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test was used to investigate the presence of cognitive disorders. Significantly expressed depression was observed in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared with healthy persons as well as the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction (p = 0.00), while in comparison with the patients with chronic nonviral liver diseases, depression was statistically significantly less markedly expressed (p = 0.003). Depression and cognitive dysfunction were more noticeable in patients with chronic hepatitis B in the stage of liver cirrhosis in relation to the early stage of the disease. Multivariate analysis of variables related to the sociodemographic characteristics showed that the most significant positive predictor of depression was more expressed in older age (over 50 years) (B = 0.276; SE = 0.092; p = 0.004). Patients with chronic hepatitis B have a higher intensity of depression compared to healthy people, which is intensified with the progression of the disease. The highest expression of depression is expected in the elderly. Patients with chronic hepatitis B have a lower intensity of depression and fewer disorders of cognitive functions than patients with other chronic liver diseases.
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