Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of depression and its related factors including quality of life, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vitamin D in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Depression was assessed using the center for epidemiologic studies depression (CES-D) scale. Disease activity, disease-related organ damage, the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), sociodemographic features, and laboratory tests including serum vitamin D level were surveyed. Serum BDNF was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Depression was observed in 22.8% of 180 SLE patients (n=41). Patients with marital status of single/divorced/separated/widowed, a higher pa- tient global assessment (PGA) score, and extreme pain/discomfort showed significant association with depression. The EQ-5D index showed negative correlation with CES-D score (r=−0.56, p<0.05). In each EQ-5D dimension, depression showed sig- nificant association with moderate to severe problems in self-care and usual activities, and extreme pain/discomfort. Serum BDNF levels were not associated with depression (p=0.75) but associated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI; r=−0.21, p<0.05). Serum vitamin D levels were not associated with depression (p=0.60) but showed negative correlation with SLEDAI (r=−0.23, p<0.05) and mean glucocorticoid dose over the previous 3 months (r=−0.21, p<0.05) after adjustment for use of vitamin D supplement. Conclusion. Depression was prevalent in patients with SLE and was associated with low quality of life, and a higher PGA but not with SLEDAI. Serum BDNF and vitamin D levels were not associated with depression but showed negative correlation with SLEDAI. (J Rheum Dis 2015;22:346-355)