Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO0547

Efficacy of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on Depression Outcomes in CKD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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

• Alomia-Plavin, Domenica V., Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Domenica V. Alomia-Plavin, MD

• Mogrovejo Carrion, Esteban Marcelo, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Esteban Marcelo Mogrovejo Carrion, MD, MSc

• Zaldumbide, Jose Matías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Jose Matías Zaldumbide, ACNP, APN, CPA

• Asmal, Tatiana Alejandra, Universidad de Las Americas Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Tatiana Alejandra Asmal, MD

• Espinoza, Maria Jose, Universidad Catolica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador

Maria Jose Espinoza, MD

• Hernández Roldán, Karentts Julissa, Universidad UTE, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Karentts Julissa Hernández Roldán

Background

Depression is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with reduced quality of life, poor treatment adherence and worse clinical outcomes. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently used, their efficacy and safety in this population remain unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess SSRI efficacy for depression in CKD patients.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies comparing SSRIs with control, placebo, or usual care in adults with CKD. Outcomes included Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), serum albumin and adverse events. The meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Data was analyzed using Cochrane Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4 using Random-effect models to calculate mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics.

Results

3073 articles were screened, and 6 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies were comprised of 212 patients, of whom 107 (50.5%) were SSRI users and 105 (49.5%) were controls. SSRI therapy was associated with a modest reduction in BDI scores (MD –5.22; 95% CI –10.36 to –0.08; p=0.05). Serum albumin levels did not differ significantly between groups (MD 0.14; 95% CI –0.09 to 0.37; p=0.24).SSRIs were associated with increased headache and nausea, dizziness was not significantly different.

Conclusion

In patients with CKD, SSRIs were associated with modest improvement in depressive symptoms but increased mild adverse events, particularly headache and nausea. These findings suggest SSRIs may offer clinically meaningful symptomatic benefits in this high-risk population, though careful individualized risk-benefit assessment is essential. Further, larger studies are needed to better define their long-term psychological and clinical role in CKD.

Figure 1: Beck Scale was significant decreased in patients with SSRI use compared with control in patients with CKD