Single-center prospective observational study investigating the association of brainstem raphe hypoechogenicity detected by transcranial sonography and post-stroke depression three months after an acute ischemic stroke.
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is an important complication after a stroke. Despite significant limitations between studies of PSD risk factors, stroke severity or post-stroke disability, prior depressive episodes, and female sex are arguably the most well-known risk factors for developing PSD, although the predictive value of these factors is limited. A hypoechogenic brainstem raphe (BR) detected by transcranial sonography (TCS) is associated with depressive symptoms in distinct diseases but is also common with approximately 25% of the non-depressed population in Europe. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the association between BR hypoechogenicity and PSD occurrence in a prospective observational study design.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
105
Transcranial sonography examination to determine the brainstem raphe echogenicity.
St. Josef-Hospital Bochum
Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
RECRUITINGPost-stroke depression
PSD diagnosis was defined according to the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V criteria) or by any new medication for anti-depressive indication during follow-up
Time frame: 3 months
Severity of depressive symptoms
Measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HRSD, minimum score: 0, maximum score: 52), with higher scores indicating greater severity of depressive symptoms.
Time frame: 3 months
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