Effect of esketamine on reducing postpartum pain and depression.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this editorial, we comment on a recent article by Chen et al, that addressed the effect of intraoperative injection of esketamine on postoperative analgesia and postoperative rehabilitation after cesarean section. Poor management of post-cesarean pain is associated with decreased maternal care for the baby, longer hospitalization, and higher risk of developing postpartum depression. Esketamine is a more potent S-enantiomer of ketamine which has shown promising analgesic and antidepressant properties for managing post-cesarean pain and depression in clinical studies. However, due to its potential adverse effects on the neurological and hemodynamic status of patients, it is recommended that its usage in low doses should be limited to cesarean candidates experiencing unbearable pain. Before any recommendation for routine perioperative use of esketamine, more standardized clinical trials are needed to strengthen our existing knowledge of its effectiveness in reducing postpartum pain and depression.