Depression and health-related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset end-stage kidney disease: a multicenter study in Japan.

BACKGROUND

Patient survival and physical outcomes among children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have significantly improved, and recent research has focused on long-term depression symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, no studies have been conducted among adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset ESKD in Japan.

METHODS

This multicenter study included 45 adolescents and young adults aged 16-39 years who developed ESKD at age < 20 years. Depression symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess HRQOL. Factors associated with depression and HRQOL were analyzed.

RESULTS

Depression (BDI-II score ≥ 14) was observed in 13 (29%) patients. Patient's SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were comparable with those for the general population. Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher BDI-II scores, and lower body mass index were associated with lower PCS scores. BDI-II scores were negatively correlated with MCS scores. We observed a trend that unemployment was associated with lower MCS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is frequently observed among adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset ESKD. Regular screening for psychosocial concerns, maintaining stable graft functions, and achieving optimal nutritional status may contribute to improved well-being among these patients.