Abstract
Background The high incidence of symptomatic anxiety and depression in coronary artery bypass
graft (CABG) patients may lead to impaired quality of life and increased morbidity
and mortality. This prospective longitudinal study on CABG patients should provide
data for future preoperative and postoperative psychotherapeutic interventions.
Methods From 2009 to 2010, 135 consecutive patients who were able and prepared were consulted
by one interviewer immediately before 1 week (early) and 6 months (late) after surgery
to complete the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” questionnaire.
Results Compared with the standard population, anxiety scores (AS) were preoperatively elevated
in 39.3% of the patients. Early and late after surgery, AS had decreased to 34.4%
(not significant [n.s.]) and 28.9% (p < 0.01).
Before surgery, depression scores (DS) were elevated in 20.7%. Early and late after
surgery, DS further increased to 24.0% (n.s.) and 28.0% (n.s.).
Preoperative elevated DS appeared to correlate with increased complications. Mortality
was not associated with elevated AS or DS. Both scores were not affected by on- or
off-pump surgery.
Conclusion Remarkably high AS and elevated DS late postoperatively require psychotherapeutic
support even after seemingly successful CABG.
Keywords
perioperative anxiety/depression - postoperative morbidity - CABG - psychotherapeutic
screening/intervention
