SynthesisBMC pregnancy and childbirth2025
Perioperative use of esketamine for the prevention of postpartum depression after cesarean section: a meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Effect of Perioperative Ketamine on Early Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Following Cesarean Section: A Meta-Analysis.Cureus · 2026Review
- Effects of Esketamine on Postoperative Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nature and science of sleep · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundEsketamine has a relatively low adverse effect on mothers and infants during cesarean sections, making it an ideal adjunct in spinal anesthesia. However, its efficacy, dosage, analgesic effects, and safety in preventing postpartum depression (PPD) remain controversial.
methodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to January 18, 2024, for studies examining the perioperative use of esketamine to prevent PPD. Two researchers independently assessed studies for eligibility and risk of bias and extracted data on the incidence of PPD and adverse reactions, EPDS scores, and postoperative pain scores. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024527906).
findingsOf the 214 studies identified, ten (one retrospective study and nine randomized controlled trials) were selected through full-text reading, involving a total of 1975 cases. The PPD incidence within 1 week after childbirth in the esketamine group was significantly lower than that in the control group (RR = 0·49, 95% CI: 0·30 to 0·79, P = 0·004). The score of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) within 1 week postpartum was also significantly lower in the esketamine group (SMD = -1·10, 95% CI: -1·67 to -0·52, P < 0·0005). The pain scores during activity and rest, obtained 48 h postoperatively, showed a significant reduction in the esketamine group.
interpretationPerioperative use of esketamine during cesarean section can prevent the early occurrence of PPD while providing effective analgesia. Our findings may guide the clinical use of esketamine for PPD prevention.
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