ABSTRACT
Introduction: Depression is much frequent in patients undergoing CABGS. However, severity was reduced post operatively. Counseling and psychosocial interventions can play an important role in recovery and functionality of patients
Objective: To compare the frequency of depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery [CABGS] before the surgery, at discharge and at six months follow up
Design: Prospective, observational study conducted from Dec 2008 to Dec 2009
Setting: National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases [NICVD] Karachi
Methods: One hundred and thirty four [134] patients of 18+ years old who were consecutively listed for first time CABGS were included in the study after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria and addressing the ethical issues. ICD-10 criteria to diagnose and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HAM-D] were applied to assess the frequency and severity of depressive disorder respectively. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0
Results: One hundred and thirty four [134] patients undergoing CABGS fulfilled the criteria for Depressive disorder. One hundred and thirteen [84.3%] were male and 21 [15.7%] were female with age range 33 to 75 years [mean 53.7 +/-SD 8.57]. Preoperatively 132 [98.5%] patients and postoperatively 108 [80.6%] patients were depressed. At 6 months follow up which was available in 73 patients, only 12 [16.4%] were found depressed. Both genders were almost equally affected. Surprisingly age, ethnicity, education and co-morbids did not show a significant role
Conclusion: Depression is commonly reported before and after cardiac surgery procedures and it significantly influences the quality of life of the patients undergoing CABGS. The consequences can increase morbidity and mortality