Takeaway
- In older patients with depression, presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was significantly associated with worsening disease severity and treatment resistance. Additionally, worsening severity of depression could account for poorer antidepressant response.
- Diastolic BP (DBP) could be a predictor of antidepressant treatment outcome in patients with MetS.
Why this matters
- Studies have postulated that MetS could influence the prevalence and severity of depressive disorders and vice versa.
Study design
- Secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial of 435 participants (MetS absent, n=211; MetS present, n=222) with major depressive disorder.
- Patients were assessed using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).
- Funding: Washington University and others.
Key results
- Overall, remission (MADRS score of 10 or less) was seen in 182 patients.
- In the unadjusted analysis, participants with metabolic syndrome experienced a longer time to remission (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.95); however, this association was not significant in the adjusted analysis.
- After adjustment, DBP was found to be a significant predictor of time to remission, with higher DBP predicting longer time to remission (HR, 0.87 per 10 mm Hg increase; 95% CI, 0.77-0.99).
Limitations
- Causality was not assessed.
References
References
