Effects of sub-anesthetic doses of esketamine on immune function and postoperative negative emotions in acoustic neuroma patients: a randomized clinical trial.
Ann MedJul 3, 2026 (epub)
Zheping Chen, Yaozhu Wang, Peilin Cong et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of sub-anesthetic esketamine on postoperative negative emotions and immune function in 84 patients undergoing acoustic neuroma surgery. Esketamine significantly reduced the incidence of depression on postoperative day 1 (7.7% vs 31.6%; p = 0.008) and day 3 (0.0% vs 15.8%; p = 0.031) compared to placebo, but did not significantly affect immune function.
Key findings
- Esketamine reduced depression incidence on POD1 to 7.7% compared to 31.6% in the placebo group.
- On POD3, depression incidence was 0.0% in the esketamine group versus 15.8% in the placebo group.
- Anxiety and sleep disturbances were significantly lower in the esketamine group on POD1 and POD3.
- No significant differences in immune function or postoperative pain scores were observed.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that perioperative esketamine can effectively reduce postoperative depression and anxiety, which are common concerns in surgical patients. This may enhance overall recovery and patient satisfaction.