The effect of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and depression in patients with thyroid cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial.
Medicine May 2, 2025 Xiaobo Bi, Junchao Dai, Jin Li 8 citations
A single intravenous injection of esketamine (0.5 mg/kg) given during general anesthesia induction reduced postoperative anxiety and depression in female thyroid cancer patients. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 women received either esketamine or saline. Those given esketamine had significantly lower anxiety and depression scores on the second day after surgery, along with higher levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serotonin, and lower insulin-like growth factor-1. They also required fewer vasopressors during surgery, suggesting more stable hemodynamics. The findings indicate that esketamine may help prevent postoperative mood disturbances, possibly through changes in these serum factors.