Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine if the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was predictor of mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD).
Methods: A total of 140 HD patients ≥65 years were studied. Symptoms of depression were assessed through GDS and cognitive function through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). GDS scores 0-9 are considered normal (Group 1); scores of 10-20 (Group 2) and 21-30 (Group 3) indicate mild and severe depression.
Results: Median GDS was 13 (11-15): 54 patients in Group 1, 49 in Group 2, and 37 in Group 3. After a follow-up of 58.85 ± 38.8 months, 94 patients died and 46 were alive. Kaplan-Meier survival was significantly lower in patients of Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (log-rank χ2 : 101.9; DF: 2; p < 0.0001). According to Cox regression analysis, mortality was associated with age and GDS, and inversely associated with MMSE and Kt/V.
Conclusion: GDS predicts mortality in elderly HD patients.
Keywords: Geriatric Depression Scale; depression; end-stage renal disease; hemodialysis; mini-mental state examination; mortality.
© 2023 International Society for Apheresis and Japanese Society for Apheresis.