The effect of a subclinical dose of esketamine on depression and pain after cesarean section: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial.

Background: The aim of this randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was to study the effects of subclinical doses of esketamine on postpartum depression and pain following elective cesarean sections.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial included 150 pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean sections. After umbilical cord clamping, participants received either subclinical doses of esketamine (0.25 mg/kg, diluted in 10 mL of 0.9% saline) or a placebo (10 mL of 0.9% saline). The primary outcome measures were the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) and postoperative pain. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to evaluate PPD on days 3, 7, and 14 postpartum, with an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 10 indicating PPD. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 4, 24, and 48 hours post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included adverse reactions and Ramsay sedation scores at 5 and 15 minutes post-administration.

Results: There were no significant differences in the incidence of PPD between the 2 groups on days 3, 7, and 14 postpartum (P > .05). The VAS scores showed significant differences between the 2 groups at 4 and 24 hours postoperatively (P < .05), but not at 48 hours (P > .05). The experimental group had significantly higher adverse reactions and Ramsay sedation scores 5 minutes post-administration compared to the control group (P < .05), but no significant differences were observed upon leaving the operating room (P > .05).

Conclusion: Subclinical doses of esketamine did not reduce the incidence of PPD at 14 days postpartum but did significantly lower VAS scores at 24 hours post-surgery. The experimental group experienced temporary increases in adverse reactions and Ramsay sedation scores shortly after administration.