Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postpartum Depression in Women With Prenatal Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors' conclusion
Dexmedetomidine administration in the early postpartum period significantly reduced the incidence of a positive PPD screening and maintained a favorable safety profile.
Study context
- Population
- Women ≥18 years with prenatal depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score >9) scheduled for elective cesarean delivery, 2 hospitals in Hunan, China
- Participants
- 338 women
- Comparison
- Dexmedetomidine vs Control
- Primary endpoint
- Positive PPD screening (postpartum Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score >9)
- Follow-up
- 7 and 42 days post partum
Methodological detailsmulticentre (2 hospitals), centrally computer-generated randomization, 1:1 allocation, Enrolment March 28, 2022, to April 16, 2023
- Multicentre (2 hospitals)
- Centrally computer-generated randomization
- 1:1 allocation
- Enrolment March 28, 2022, to April 16, 2023
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Positive PPD screening
Dexmedetomidine vs ControlRelative risk (95% CI)P value
Day 7
0.39(0.25–0.62)
P < 0.001Day 42
0.38(0.23–0.61)
P < 0.001Safety
Adverse events · no significant difference
P = 0.10
| Outcome | Dexmedetomidine | Control | RR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypotension | 18.3% | 9.5% | 2.15 (1.13–4.10) | P = 0.02 | |
| 0.20.5125Relative risk (log scale) |
Original publication
Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postpartum Depression in Women With Prenatal Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. Published 2 January 2024. doi:10.
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