Ketamine to Prevent PPD After Cesarean
Randomised, parallel pilot study (n=25 actual) testing ketamine 0.5 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection or 40-minute IV infusion versus saline placebo to prevent postpartum depression after cesarean, with 42-day follow-up.
Details
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common perinatal complication with significant maternal and infant consequences; routine screening is recommended and prevention strategies are needed.
Ketamine has rapid antidepressant effects in non‑pregnant populations; intravenous 0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes is commonly used and subcutaneous administration is an alternative route under investigation.
This randomised, quadruple‑blind, parallel pilot trial randomises participants undergoing cesarean to one of three groups (SC ketamine, IV ketamine, or placebo) to assess feasibility, tolerability and preliminary incidence of PPD over 42 days.