The INTREPID Study v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Recognition and treatment of depression in renal dialysis patients: The role of inflammation
IRAS ID
256696
Contact name
Kamaldeep S Bhui
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Depression affects up to a third of people treated with renal dialysis for end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Untreated depression can lead to premature death and poor quality of life in dialysis patients. Antidepressants and psychological therapies can improve depression, but dialysis patients do not usually receive these treatments because physical symptoms associated with ESKD, and differences in cultural expressions of distress, can mask depression. Antidepressants may also not work well, and patients may be too unwell to agree to take them or tolerate side effects.
Inflammation is common in ESKD patients and may be a cause of depression. The main aim of the project is to develop an in-depth understanding of depression in ESKD. Interviews and focus groups with patients, patient carers, and clinicians will help us to gain an understanding of the current care pathways surrounding the assessment and treatment of depression in ESKD. A large observational study will be undertaken to measure the prevalence of depression in patients undergoing renal dialysis, and to explore the psychological, social, and clinical factors involved. In a sub-group of patients, markers of inflammation will be compared across those who are depressed and non-depressed in order to understand the biological underpinnings of depression. This will also guide the selection of an anti-inflammatory drug for a proof-of-principle randomised controlled trial in the future.
The majority of patients will be recruited from the Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust. However, in order to meet recruitment targets (n=600), renal dialysis patients will likely be recruited from Barts Health NHS Trust renal satellite units at Newham University Hospital, Whipps Cross University Hospital, Queen's Hospital Essex, and King George Hospital Essex.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1272
Date of REC Opinion
28 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion