Prevalence of Depression in Metastatic Spine Disease Patients Undergoing Surgical Intervention.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate rates of self-reported depression in MSD patients undergoing surgery overall and at each timepoint in the perioperative period, and also to explore associations with sociodemographic factors.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with metastatic spine disease (MSD) undergoing surgery. Understanding its prevalence is vital, as it impacts clinical outcomes, recovery, and overall well-being.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Electronic medical records were retrospectively analyzed for MSD patients undergoing surgery at a large academic center between 2015 and 2023. Patients under 18 years old and those without National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer Problem List data were excluded. The overall prevalence of depression was identified as the proportion of patients who reported depression at any timepoint in their perioperative period. Prevalence was also evaluated at baseline (defined as the closest recorded timepoint before surgery within 30 d preoperative), 30 days postoperative, and at 90 days postoperative. The rate of depression was compared across sociodemographic subgroups of race, sex, age, marital status, and insurance type.

RESULTS

Of 342 patients, 33.3% reported depression at least once during their perioperative period. At baseline, 17.3% reported depression, at 30 days, 17.3%, and at 90 days, 14.1%. There was no significant difference in depression rates across timepoints or across sociodemographic subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Depression affects a substantial portion of MSD patients and remains consistent across the perioperative course. Its prevalence appears independent of sociodemographic factors, highlighting the importance of routine, universal psychological assessment and support for this vulnerable population.

OXFORD CENTRE LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective cohort study.