Efficacy of ketamine in preventing postpartum depression in patients undergoing cesarean section

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ketamine in preventing postpartum depression in patients undergoing cesarean section. Methods One hundred and twenty ASA physical status Ⅰ patieuts, aged 18-38 yr, with body mass index <35 kg/m2, scheduled for elective cesarean section, were equally and randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number table: control group(group C)and ketamine group(group K). Postoperative analgesia was performed with sufentanil 100 μg in 100 ml of normal saline, and sufentanil was infused at 2 ml/h(bolus dose 5 μg, lockout interval 15 min)in both groups.In group K, ketamine 4 mg/kg was added to analgesic pump.VAS score was maintained<3.Before surgery and at 1, 3, 5 and 42 days after surgery, depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Survey(EPDS), and postpartum depression was defined as EPDS score≥13.Postpartum depression and ketamine-related complications occurred within 3 days after surgery in group K were recorded. Results Compared with group C, EPDS scores were significantly decreased at 1, 3 and 5 days after surgery, and the incidence of postpartum depression was decreased in group K. Ketamine-related complications were not found in group K. Conclusion Ketamine(infused starting from the end of operation, lasting for 48 h, total amount 4 mg/kg)for postoperative analgesia can prevent postpartum depression to some extent in patients undergoing cesarean section. Key words: Depression, postpartum; Ketamine