Randomized clinical trial examines esketamine's efficacy in reducing postpartum depression risk in cesarean deliveries, indicating a potential preventive measure.
( JAMA Network Open . 2025;8(2):e2459331. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.59331) Postpartum depression (PPD) is a widespread condition affecting about 17.7% of new mothers globally, with an even higher incidence of 21.4% reported in China. Cesarean birth (CB) appears to increase the risk of developing PPD compared to vaginal births. Given the growing recognition of esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, as a rapid-acting antidepressant, its potential use in PPD prevention has become a subject of interest. While prior randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have shown mixed results, there has been limited real-world evidence of its efficacy in typical clinical settings. The objective of this study was to examine the practical impact of esketamine in reducing the risk of PPD following CB.
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