Routine Labs Linked to Stress-Related Disorder Risk
Higher hemoglobin and potassium levels, and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, were associated with subsequent stress-related disorder risk in a Finnish cohort study of nearly 74,000 patients, although the findings were exploratory.
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.
