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. 2011 Feb;50(2):330-4.
doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq296. Epub 2010 Sep 30.

Association of gastrointestinal involvement and depressive symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis

Vijay Bodukam  1 , Ron D Hays, Paul Maranian, Daniel E Furst, James R Seibold, Ann Impens, Maureen D Mayes, Philip J Clements, Dinesh Khanna
Affiliations

Association of gastrointestinal involvement and depressive symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis

Vijay Bodukam et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2011 Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: SSc-associated gastrointestinal tract involvement (SSc-GIT) is an important predictor of depressive symptoms. University of California at Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) is a 34-item valid instrument that captures GIT symptom severity and impact on quality of life. It has seven GI-specific scales and a total GIT score. The objectives were to assess: (i) whether there is an association between depressed mood with GI symptom scales as assessed by the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 instrument; and (ii) to explore which GI-specific symptom scales are associated with depressed mood in patients with SSc.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-two patients with SSc completed the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression scale (CES-D10). Patients were divided into depressed (CES-D ≥ 10) or non-depressed group (CES-D < 10) and compared using t-test or chi-square test. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between GI scales and depressed mood (CES-D).

Results: Study participants were 84% female, 78% Caucasian and 40% had depressed mood (CES-D10 ≥ 10). Patients with depressed mood had statistically worse GI scale scores (except fecal soilage) and worse total GIT score (P < 0.05). In the multivariable model reflux and constipation scales were independently associated with worse CES-D scores (P = 0.01-0.06)

Conclusion: SSc-GIT involvement is associated with depressed mood. Reflux and constipation scales of UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 were independently associated with CES-D. Future studies should assess if treatment of GIT symptoms will improve depressed mood in patients with SSc-GIT.

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Figures

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Fig. 1
UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 scale scores in patients with and without depressed mood.
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