Periventricular White Matter Hyperintensity in Males is Associated with Post-Stroke Depression Onset at 3 Months

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to explore the correlation between white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and post-stroke depression (PSD) at 3 months, and to further investigate sex differences in the pathogenesis of PSD. Methods A total of 238 consecutive patients with acute cerebral infarction were recruited. PSD was assessed at 2 weeks and at 3 months after stroke onset. All stroke cases were divided into four subgroups according to the diagnosis of depression at two time nodes: continuous depression; depression remission; late-onset PSD; and continuous non-depression. The Fazekas and Scheltens visual rating scales were adopted to assess WMH. Results Logistic regression revealed that the presence of periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PVWMH) at baseline in male patients was an independent risk factor for PSD at 3 months. Further subgroup analysis revealed that PVWMH was associated with late-onset PSD in males, but not with continuous depression 3 months after stroke. Male acute stroke patients with PVWMH at baseline were more likely to develop PSD at 3 months, especially late-onset PSD. Conclusion Our data suggest that sex differences may influence the pathogenesis of PSD.

Explore the influencing factors and construct random forest models of post-stroke depression at 3 months in males and females

“…Females need to focus on family life and social work, they may bear more stress. Many studies have found that the incidence of PSD in females is higher than that in males [9,10], and some studies reported that the incidence of PSD in females is similar to or significantly lower than that in males [11][12][13]. Perhaps because of inconsistencies in sample size, race, or time of evaluation, there is no consistent conclusion about the sex difference in the incidence of PSD, this study explores this and hopes to provide reference for future research.…”

Factors Affecting Post-Stroke Depression in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients after 3 Months

“…Several studies have evaluated the pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis of PSD. Particularly, several risk factors related to PSD were proposed, mainly focusing on clinical and laboratory factors such as Barthel index, female sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and white matter hyperintensity [7][8][9][10]. However, the psychiatric problem is the result of the complex action of not only the patient factors but also environmental factors.…”