Decision-making process in the pre-dialysis CKD patients: do anxiety, stress and depression matter?

Abstract Background The transition from pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) to renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a stressful event. Anxiety, depression and stress are frequent conditions in this population, and might play a role on the choice of dialysis modality. Methods This is a prospective study that included stages 4-5 CKD patients during a dialysis multi-disciplinary education program. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were evaluated. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a Perceived Stress Scale assessed levels of anxiety, depression and stress, respectively. Results A total of 67 from 190 recruited patients were included (59 ± 15 years, 54% males). Comparing patients who chose peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), there were no differences on anxiety (p = 0.55), and depression scores (p = 0.467), and stress (p = 0.854). Anxious (p = 0.007) and depressive (p = 0.030) patients presented lower levels of phosphate than those not affected. There was a significant correlation (p