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. 2023 Sep;14(9):1481-1502.
doi: 10.1007/s13300-023-01436-y. Epub 2023 Jun 27.

The Hidden Burden-Exploring Depression Risk in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Xiaoli Zhang  1 , Liang Ma  1 , Shumin Mu  1 , Yonghui Yin  2
Affiliations

The Hidden Burden-Exploring Depression Risk in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Xiaoli Zhang et al. Diabetes Ther. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication among patients with diabetes mellitus, and it has been linked to a higher risk of depression. However, the magnitude of this association remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the risk of depression in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared to diabetes patients without nephropathy.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review, searching multiple databases from January 1964 to March 2023, and included randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and observational studies. We assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa scale for observational studies. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 14.2, and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 60 studies were included.

Results: The pooled OR for the risk of depression among patients with diabetic nephropathy was 1.78 (95% CI 1.56-2.04; I2 = 83%; n = 56), indicating a significantly higher risk compared to diabetes patients without nephropathy (p < 0.001). Pooling the effect size across these studies showed that the pooled OR was 1.15 (95% CI 1.14-1.16; I2 = 88%; n = 32). Subgroup analyses based on the type of diabetes and study region revealed no significant differences in the pooled estimates.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that patients with diabetic nephropathy have a significantly higher risk of depression compared to diabetes patients without nephropathy. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing the mental health of patients with diabetic nephropathy as part of their overall healthcare management.

Keywords: Depression; Diabetes mellitus; Meta-analysis; Nephropathy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Xiaoli Zhang, Liang Ma, Shumin Mou, Yonghui Yin has nothing to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Search strategy
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Forest plot showing the risk of depression between diabetic nephropathy and non-nephropathy diabetic patients
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Subgroup analysis based on the type of diabetes mellitus
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Forest plot showing the longitudinal risk of depression between diabetic nephropathy and non-nephropathy diabetic patients
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Subgroup analysis based on study region
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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