Investigation of Esketamine Administration During Surgical Procedures for the Alleviation of Postoperative Anxiety and Depression in Adolescent Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy January 1, 2026 Yanhong Li, Kuangyu Zhao, Peipei Cao et al.
A single intravenous dose of esketamine (0.25 mg/kg) given at the start of surgery reduces postoperative anxiety in adolescents aged 13–18 years, with lower anxiety scores on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after surgery. Depression scores were lower only on day 14. The drug did not significantly change inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6) or cause more adverse events than placebo. Esketamine was a protective factor against postoperative anxiety (odds ratio 0.38). The findings suggest a safe, short-term benefit for anxiety, with limited effect on depression, in this age group.