Effect of esketamine on reducing postpartum pain and depression.
World journal of clinical cases March 6, 2025 Brandon Lucke-Wold, Armin Karamian 9 citations
An editorial comments on a study by Chen et al. about intraoperative esketamine for pain and recovery after cesarean section. Poorly managed post-cesarean pain can reduce maternal care for the baby, lengthen hospital stays, and increase the risk of postpartum depression. Esketamine, a potent form of ketamine, shows promise for pain relief and antidepressant effects in clinical studies. However, due to potential neurological and hemodynamic side effects, low-dose use should be limited to candidates with unbearable pain. More standardized trials are needed before routine perioperative use can be recommended.