Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Feb 2017
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudySertraline Versus Placebo in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized, Controlled Feasibility Trial.
Depression is common in patients on hemodialysis, but data on the benefits and risks of antidepressants in this setting are limited. We conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sertraline over 6 months in patients on hemodialysis with depression to determine study feasibility, safety, and effectiveness. ⋯ Although small, this is the largest randomized trial to date of antidepressant medication in patients on hemodialysis. Our results highlight recruitment issues. No benefit was observed, but trial size and the substantial dropout render consideration of benefit inconclusive. A definitive trial could use shorter follow-up and include depressed patients already taking antidepressants.