In a recent meta-analysis presented at the European Psychiatric Association 2024 Congress, researchers examined whether intravenous esketamine (ESK) administered during delivery or caesarean section reduces the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). The meta-analysis included seven randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1287 women, with 49.3% receiving ESK. Results indicated that a single ESK dose reduced PPD by over 50% in the first six weeks postpartum. Indeed, PPD incidence was decreased both at one and six weeks postpartum compared to placebo. However, the subjective nature of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and variations in metrics across studies necessitate further research to establish definitive effect sizes. Further work is also needed to clarify the safety profile of ESK for PPD treatment, as the adverse effects of ESK on maternal and neonatal health remain understudied. Overall, while this new meta-analysis study suggests a potential role for ESK in reducing PPD risk, ongoing research is vital to address safety concerns and determine its place in clinical practice.
Reference:
Medscape Conference News, April 09, 2024. See More
