Objective:
To investigate the association between routinely collected laboratory biomarkers and the risk of stress-related disorder diagnosis.
Approach:
- Study Design and Sample: A retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health records from Central Finland Wellbeing Services County, including 73,909 patients aged 34 to 92 years, with 6,758 diagnosed with stress-related disorders.
- Biomarkers Examined: Ten biomarkers were evaluated: C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, sodium, and potassium.
- Analytical Approach: The most recent laboratory measurement within one year before diagnosis was analyzed, adjusting for demographics, comorbidity, medication use, and health care utilization.
Key Findings:
- Higher hemoglobin and potassium levels were associated with a lower risk of stress-related disorder diagnosis.
- Higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were associated with a higher risk.
- The multivariable model showed a concordance index of 0.67.
Interpretation:
The study's observational nature limits causal interpretations of the associations between specific biomarkers and stress-related disorders.
Limitations:
- Data was sourced from a single Finnish region, limiting generalizability.
- Cases had laboratory measurements closer to diagnosis than controls, indicating potential informed presence bias.
- The study could not account for lifestyle and social factors affecting health, including diet, body composition, and socioeconomic position.
Conclusion:
The results do not support specific biomarker thresholds for screening stress-related disorders.
Sources:
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