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Published on: May 22, 2019
Association between high serum total bilirubin and post-stroke depression
Wai Kwong Tang1, Huajun Liang, Winnie Chiu Wing Chu
1Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. tangwk@cuhk.edu.hk
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|May 21, 2013
Summary
High bilirubin levels are linked to post-stroke depression (PSD). This study found elevated bilirubin is a significant predictor of developing depression after a stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- High serum bilirubin is a known predictor of depression in the general population.
- The relationship between bilirubin levels and post-stroke depression (PSD) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum bilirubin levels and the risk of developing PSD.
- To determine if bilirubin is an independent predictor of PSD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 635 acute ischemic stroke patients in Hong Kong was studied.
- Serum total bilirubin was measured during hospitalization.
- Patients were assessed for PSD using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV three months post-stroke.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in bilirubin levels was observed between patients with and without PSD (P=0.006).
- Patients with PSD had a higher proportion of elevated bilirubin levels (≥14.1 μmol/L) compared to those without PSD (37.7% vs 19.7%, P=0.001).
- Elevated bilirubin (≥14.1 μmol/L) independently predicted PSD with an odds ratio of 2.4.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum bilirubin levels are associated with an increased risk of post-stroke depression.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking bilirubin and PSD.
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