Abstract: SA-PO0507
Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Inflammation-Associated Cardiovascular Risk in CKD
Session Information
- CKD: Clinical - Therapies, CKM Health, Special Populations, and More
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2202 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials
Authors
- Park, Matthew K., Mass General Brigham Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Mc Causland, Finnian R., Mass General Brigham Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Ravi, Katherine Scovner, Mass General Brigham Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Background
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have cardiovascular mortality rates 2-5 times higher than the general population, likely driven in part by chronic inflammation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) possess anti-inflammatory properties, but whether their use is associated with lower levels of inflammation-associated cardiovascular disease in CKD is unclear.
Methods
We analyzed 5,500 participants from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) using Cox regression models to evaluate whether associations of inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP, and a composite inflammation score) with a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke differed by baseline SSRI use. Models adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin, hemoglobin, high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, log-transformed 24-hour urine protein, cardiovascular medications, depression severity, and healthcare utilization and engagement (nephrologist care, engagement in lifestyle modification).
Results
At baseline, mean age was 60 ±11 years, 44% were female, and 43% were Black, and SSRIs were prescribed in 11% of participants. Over a mean follow-up of 9.2 years, 2,506 (46%) experienced the composite outcome. Higher log-transformed hsCRP was associated with higher risk (per 1-unit increase: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06, 1.15). This differed by SSRI use (P-interaction <0.01; aHR 1.12; 95%CI 1.08, 1.17 in non-users and 0.91; 95%CI 0.80, 1.05 in users). Similar patterns were noted when a composite inflammatory score was considered (P-interaction=0.04; aHR 1.15; 95%CI 1.09, 1.20 in non-users and 0.95; 95%CI 0.81, 1.11 in users of SSRIs).
Conclusion
Among patients with CKD, higher hsCRP and inflammatory scores were associated with higher risk of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, but only in non-users of SSRIs. Future studies should explore whether SSRI use, potentially via anti-inflammatory pathways, could reduce cardiovascular risk.
Funding
- NIDDK Support