InflamationNCT06840379
Effect of Sertraline on Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients with Depression: a Randomized Controlled Trial
A study testing Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant) in people with Inflamation and Hemodialysis, run by Nishtar Medical University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Depression is a common mental health condition among patients undergoing hemodialysis and is associated with a lower quality of life, poor treatment adherence, and worse overall health outcomes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Inflamation, Hemodialysis, End Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis (Diagnosis)
- What is being tested?
- Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant)
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Oct 2024to 15 Apr 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- On maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months
- Diagnosed with depression as per operational definition
- Stable on current medications for at least 4 weeks
Who cannot join
- Current use of antidepressants or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Active infection or inflammatory condition
- History of bipolar disorder or psychosis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe liver disease (Child-Pugh class C)
- Known hypersensitivity to sertraline
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Sertraline on C-Reactive Protein Serum Levels in Hemodialysis Patients Diagnosed with Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition among patients undergoing hemodialysis and is associated with a lower quality of life, poor treatment adherence, and worse overall health outcomes. Chronic inflammation, as measured by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, is frequently seen in these patients and contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in this population.
Sertraline, a widely used antidepressant, is effective in treating depression in hemodialysis patients and has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to evaluate whether sertraline can reduce inflammation, as measured by CRP levels, in hemodialysis patients diagnosed with depression.
Read more
This research is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. A total of 62 adult hemodialysis patients with depression will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either sertraline or a placebo for 12 weeks.
Depression severity will be assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), a widely used tool for measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. HAM-D scores will be recorded at baseline, at weeks 4, 8, and 12 to evaluate changes in depressive symptoms over time.
CRP levels will also be measured at baseline and after 12 weeks to determine whether sertraline reduces systemic inflammation in these patients.
The hypothesis of this study is that sertraline treatment will significantly lower CRP levels compared to a placebo, potentially providing dual benefits-improving mood and reducing inflammation-related health risks in hemodialysis patients. The findings of this study could help improve treatment strategies for depression and inflammation in individuals undergoing long-term dialysis.
Read the detailed description
After obtaining ethical approval, eligible participants were recruited from the hemodialysis unit. The study purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits were explained, and written informed consent was obtained. Participants meeting inclusion criteria underwent baseline assessments, including demographic data, medical history, HAM-D scores, and blood sampling for CRP measurement. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either sertraline or placebo using a computer-generated randomization sequence. The sertraline group initially received 25 mg/day, titrated up to a maximum of 100 mg/day over 4 weeks based on clinical response and tolerability. The placebo group received identical-looking tablets. Participants were monitored for 12 weeks, with follow-up visits every 2 weeks. Adherence, side effects, and any changes in medical status were assessed at each visit. At the end of 12 weeks, final HAM-D scores were obtained, and blood samples were collected for CRP measurement. All data were recorded on a standardized form.
- Being tested
- Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant), Placebo
- Keywords
- Depression in Chronic Kidney Disease, Hemodialysis and Mental Health, Sertraline and Inflammation, C-Reactive Protein and Depression, Psychiatric Comorbidities in ESRD
- Medical subject headings
- Disease, Psychological Well-Being, Inflammation, Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant)Drug
- 25 mg/day sertraline, titrated up to 100 mg/day based on clinical response and tolerability.
- Administered orally once daily for 12 weeks.
- Used to assess its effects on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients.
PlaceboDrug
- Identical placebo tablet administered orally once daily for 12 weeks, following the same dosing schedule as the sertraline group.
- Used to compare the effects of sertraline vs. placebo on CRP levels and depression severity in hemodialysis patients.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sertraline Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive oral sertraline, starting at 25 mg/day, with titration up to 100 mg/day based on clinical response and tolerability over the 12-week study period. Receives: Drug: Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant) |
| Placebo Group | Placebo comparator | Participants in this group will receive an identical placebo tablet orally, following the same dosing schedule as the sertraline group for 12 weeks. Receives: Drug: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mean Change in Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels from Baseline to 12 Weeks
The mean change in CRP levels (mg/L) from baseline to 12 weeks will be assessed using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay. Blood samples will be collected before dialysis sessions at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The difference in CRP levels between the sertraline and placebo groups will be analyzed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of sertraline in hemodialysis patients with depression.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) Score from Baseline to 12 Weeks
Depression severity will be measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), a validated tool for assessing depressive symptoms. HAM-D scores will be recorded at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. The difference in scores between the sertraline and placebo groups will be evaluated to determine the antidepressant efficacy of sertraline.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Proportion of Patients Achieving a ≥50% Reduction in HAM-D Score
The percentage of participants achieving a ≥50% reduction in HAM-D score from baseline to week 12 will be calculated. A higher proportion in the sertraline group compared to the placebo group will indicate better treatment response.
Measured: At Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Feb 2025
- Study start15 Oct 2024
- Primary completion15 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Apr 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for InflamationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Nishtar Medical University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Amra Batool, Nishtar Medical University
- Investigators
- Muhammad Irfan Jamil, Principal investigator, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06840379
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NishtarMU3
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 17 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 4 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Sertraline on C-Reactive Protein Serum Levels in Hemodialysis Patients Diagnosed with Depression
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06840379
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NishtarMU3
- Keywords
- Depression in Chronic Kidney Disease, Hemodialysis and Mental Health, Sertraline and Inflammation, C-Reactive Protein and Depression, Psychiatric Comorbidities in ESRD
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Nishtar Medical UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 21 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Depression is a common mental health condition among patients undergoing hemodialysis and is associated with a lower quality of life, poor treatment adherence, and worse overall health outcomes. Chronic inflammation, as measured by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, is frequently seen in these patients and contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in this population.
Sertraline, a widely used antidepressant, is effective in treating depression in hemodialysis patients and has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to evaluate whether sertraline can reduce inflammation, as measured by CRP levels, in hemodialysis patients diagnosed with depression.
This research is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. A total of 62 adult hemodialysis patients with depression will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either sertraline or a placebo for 12 weeks.
Depression severity will be assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), a widely used tool for measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. HAM-D scores will be recorded at baseline, at weeks 4, 8, and 12 to evaluate changes in depressive symptoms over time.
CRP levels will also be measured at baseline and after 12 weeks to determine whether sertraline reduces systemic inflammation in these patients.
The hypothesis of this study is that sertraline treatment will significantly lower CRP levels compared to a placebo, potentially providing dual benefits-improving mood and reducing inflammation-related health risks in hemodialysis patients. The findings of this study could help improve treatment strategies for depression and inflammation in individuals undergoing long-term dialysis.
Detailed description
After obtaining ethical approval, eligible participants were recruited from the hemodialysis unit. The study purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits were explained, and written informed consent was obtained. Participants meeting inclusion criteria underwent baseline assessments, including demographic data, medical history, HAM-D scores, and blood sampling for CRP measurement. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either sertraline or placebo using a computer-generated randomization sequence. The sertraline group initially received 25 mg/day, titrated up to a maximum of 100 mg/day over 4 weeks based on clinical response and tolerability. The placebo group received identical-looking tablets. Participants were monitored for 12 weeks, with follow-up visits every 2 weeks. Adherence, side effects, and any changes in medical status were assessed at each visit. At the end of 12 weeks, final HAM-D scores were obtained, and blood samples were collected for CRP measurement. All data were recorded on a standardized form.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sertraline Group | Experimental | Drug: Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant)Participants in this group will receive oral sertraline, starting at 25 mg/day, with titration up to 100 mg/day based on clinical response and tolerability over the 12-week study period. |
| Placebo Group | Placebo comparator | Drug: PlaceboParticipants in this group will receive an identical placebo tablet orally, following the same dosing schedule as the sertraline group for 12 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- On maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months
- Diagnosed with depression as per operational definition
- Stable on current medications for at least 4 weeks
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Current use of antidepressants or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Active infection or inflammatory condition
- History of bipolar disorder or psychosis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe liver disease (Child-Pugh class C)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant)* 25 mg/day sertraline, titrated up to 100 mg/day based on clinical response and tolerability. * Administered orally once daily for 12 weeks. * Used to assess its effects on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients. | Drug | Sertraline Group |
| Placebo* Identical placebo tablet administered orally once daily for 12 weeks, following the same dosing schedule as the sertraline group. * Used to compare the effects of sertraline vs. placebo on CRP levels and depression severity in hemodialysis patients. | Drug | Placebo Group |
Primary outcome
Mean Change in Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels from Baseline to 12 Weeks
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
The mean change in CRP levels (mg/L) from baseline to 12 weeks will be assessed using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay. Blood samples will be collected before dialysis sessions at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The difference in CRP levels between the sertraline and placebo groups will be analyzed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of sertraline in hemodialysis patients with depression.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) Score from Baseline to 12 Weeks
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Proportion of Patients Achieving a ≥50% Reduction in HAM-D Score
Time frame: At Week 12
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Mar 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Muhammad Irfan Jamil principal investigator
Lahore General Hospital, Lahore
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Sertraline (Oral Antidepressant) in people with Inflamation and Hemodialysis, run by Nishtar Medical University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Mean Change in Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels from Baseline to 12 Weeks (time frame: Baseline and Week 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Mar 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.