Are serum hsCRP and IL-6 prognostic markers in somatic symptom disorder and related disorders? An exploratory analysis in a prospective cohort study. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heseltine-Carp, William; Dale, Veronica; van Eck van der Sluijs, Jonna; van der Feltz-Cornelis, Christina
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychiatric research. Volume 157(2023)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Somatic symptom disorder and related disorders -- Conversion disorder -- Functional neurological disorder -- hsCRP -- Systemic low-grade inflammation -- IL-6; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Maladies mentales -- Périodiques; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3956

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the roles of hsCRP and IL-6 as prognostic markers for treatment outcome in SSRD. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 237 consecutive outpatients diagnosed with SSRD at the Clinical Centre of Excellence for Body Mind and Health, the Netherlands were assessed. At intake, venepuncture was performed for serum hsCRP and IL-6. Baseline scores for PHQ-9, GAD7, physical symptom score (PSQ-51) and BPI questionnaires were obtained. Patients were followed up at the end of their usual treatment programme, which lasted approximately 12 months. Results: Higher baseline hsCRP was associated with high physical symptom scores (PSQ-51), but not BPI, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaire scores at end of treatment. No association was identified between baseline IL-6 and follow-up symptom questionnaire scores after treatment. Adjustment for age, gender and somatic comorbidity showed no significant change in the association. Conclusion: This exploratory analysis provides some evidence that in patients with SSRD, high baseline serum hsCRP may predict poorer treatment outcomes in physical symptoms but not depression, anxiety or pain symptoms. Baseline serum hsCRP may therefore be a useful factor in identifying SSRD patients who are at risk of a persistent high physical symptom burden. Highlights: Elevated baseline hsCRP is associated with a higher burden of physical symptoms at end of treatment in SSRD patients. Baseline IL-6 was not associated with depression, anxiety, physical or pain symptoms at end of treatment in SSRD patients. hsCRP may be a useful factor in identifying SSRD patients who are at risk of a persistent high physical symptom burden.