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Depression rather than liver impairment reduces quality of life in patients with hepatitis C

Luciana D Silva1, Cláudia C da Cunha1, Luciana R da Cunha1

  • 1Viral Hepatitis Outpatient Clinic, Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|March 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Major depressive disorder, not liver fibrosis, significantly impacts the quality of life for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Integrated care addressing psychological effects is recommended for CHC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) negatively affects patient quality of life.
  • Factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in CHC, like liver fibrosis, remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of CHC on HRQOL.
  • To evaluate clinical, psychiatric, and sociodemographic factors influencing HRQOL in CHC patients.

Main Methods:

  • 124 CHC patients assessed using psychiatric and HRQOL surveys.
  • Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SF-36 were utilized.
  • Multiple linear regression analyzed associations between HRQOL and patient variables.

Main Results:

  • Reduced HRQOL was linked to major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • Elevated alanine aminotransferase levels also correlated with lower HRQOL.
  • Hepatic cirrhosis showed no significant association with HRQOL.

Conclusions:

  • MDD is a stronger determinant of HRQOL impairment in CHC than liver fibrosis.
  • Psychological aspects of CHC require greater clinical attention.
  • Integrated medical, psychiatric, and psychological care may improve outcomes for CHC patients.
Abstract

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