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Interferon-induced depression in patients with hepatitis C: an epidemiologic study
Lucas Pereira Jorge de Medeiros1, Monica Kayo2, Renata Barboza Vianna Medeiros3
1Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|June 12, 2014
Summary
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment with PEG IFN plus ribavirin is linked to significant depressive symptoms in Brazilian patients. History of substance and alcohol abuse heightens the risk of developing depression during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) plus ribavirin is a standard treatment for HCV.
- Depressive symptoms are a known potential side effect of interferon-based therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and severity of depressive symptoms in Brazilian patients undergoing HCV treatment with PEG IFN plus ribavirin.
- To assess depressive symptoms at multiple time points: 12, 24, and 48 weeks.
- To identify risk factors associated with treatment-induced depression.
Main Methods:
- An observational prospective study design was employed.
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used for symptom assessment.
- Fifty Brazilian patients with HCV were included in the study.
Main Results:
- The highest scores for depressive symptoms were observed at the 24th week of treatment.
- Mean BDI scores increased from 6.5 pre-treatment to 16.1 at 24 weeks; mean CES-D scores rose from 10.9 to 18.6.
- 46% of patients were diagnosed with depression, with somatic/psychomotor symptoms correlating highly with overall scores. History of substance and alcohol abuse increased depression risk.
Conclusions:
- PEG IFN treatment is associated with a high incidence of depressive symptoms in this Brazilian HCV patient cohort.
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and CES-D effectively measured treatment-related depression.
- Alcohol and substance abuse are identified as significant risk factors for developing depression during PEG IFN therapy.
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