Double-blind, randomised clinical trial (n=45) comparing intraoperative ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes) versus saline in patients with major depressive disorder undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
This study examined whether a perioperative intravenous ketamine infusion given as part of anaesthesia produces antidepressant effects compared with volume-matched normal saline in patients with Major Depressive Disorder undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Ketamine was administered as a single 0.5 mg/kg infusion over 40 minutes during surgery; outcomes include depressive symptom change and perioperative morbidity.
Intravenous ketamine infusion (double-blind arm).
Infusion over 40 minutes (0.5 mg/kg).
Intravenous ketamine infusion (open-label arm).
Infusion over 40 minutes (0.5 mg/kg).
Volume-matched normal saline infusion (double-blind placebo comparator).
Normal saline infusion over 40 minutes, volume-matched to ketamine.