Comment:
It is known that NAFLD is associated with intra- and extra-hepatic complications, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease. Emerging evidence has also suggested the existence of an association between NAFLD and depression.
This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and adverse events associated with depression in NAFLD patients. It also assesses whether treating concomitant depression may reduce the increased risks of adverse outcomes associated with NAFLD.
Key learnings:
The presence of depression in NAFLD patients may increase the risk of adverse outcomes, specifically all-cause mortality, CVD, and stroke. While the treatment of depression did not eliminate adverse outcome risk, it was however associated with a reduction in the magnitude of CVD and all-cause mortality risks. Early screening and treatment of depression in high-risk patients with NAFLD is important to outcome improvement.
