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Published on: December 11, 2017
Prevalence and risk analysis for depression after open-heart valve replacement surgery
Joana Faria1, Maria Gomes, Gabriela Costa
1Departamentos de Anestesiologia do Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, do Centro Hospitalar do Alto Ave, Guimarães e do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal.
Depression is common after heart valve surgery, affecting over half of patients. Postoperative complications, lower hemoglobin, and longer hospital stays predict this depression, highlighting the need for screening.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Cardiac surgery can lead to long-term complications like depression.
- The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a validated tool for assessing depressive symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression after open-heart valve replacement surgery.
- To identify predictors of postoperative depression in a Portuguese population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study included 52 patients undergoing elective open-heart valve replacement.
- The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was administered at 6-month follow-up.
- Data on cardiovascular risk factors, medical history, cardiac function, medications, and hospital stay were collected.
Main Results:
- Over half of patients (51.9%) showed symptoms of depression (GDS score >10).
- Predictors of depression included postoperative complications (p=0.045), lower hemoglobin (p=0.015), and longer hospitalization (p=0.020).
- Only a small percentage of depressed patients were on antidepressants.
Conclusions:
- Depression is a frequent and often overlooked complication following open-heart valve replacement.
- Systematic screening and early intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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