Effect of esketamine on reducing postpartum pain and depression

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.

Keywords: Cesarean section; Postpartum pain; Postpartum depression; Postoperative analgesia; Esketamine

Core Tip: In the last few years, esketamine has been suggested as a potential therapy for postpartum pain and depression, however, the available data are few. This editorial focuses on the recently published studies on the effectiveness of esketamine in relieving postpartum pain and postpartum depression symptoms. We hope that it will provide valuable information for the treatment of postpartum pain and depression.