Major depression complicating hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure: A multicenter, double-blind, controlled clinical trial of S-adenosyl-L-methionine versus placebo

Abstract Major depression can occur in patients undergoing hemodialysis for chronic renal failure. Fifty-three depressed patients receiving long-term dialysis were treated with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) 400 mg intravenously on alternate days or placebo. Depression was diagnosed according to DSM-III-R criteria. Evaluations were performed using the Institute for Personality and Ability Testing-Depression Scale (IPAT-DS) and HARD depression scale. Statistically significant differences were observed on day 21 versus baseline for IPAT-DS scores in both the SAMe and placebo groups. A difference was observed on day 21 versus baseline for HARD scores only in the SAMe group. None of the reported adverse effects were serious or cause for study withdrawal. SAMe proved to be a beneficial antidepressant medication in dialysis patients with major depression.