Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block with ropivacaine for postpartum depression

To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) with ropivacaine in treating postpartum depression.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 98 patients from Ordos Central Hospital, treated between January 2020 and December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: with 42 patients receiving escitalopram oxalate tablets (escitalopram group) and 56 patients undergoing ultrasound-guided SGB with ropivacaine (ropivacaine group). The therapeutic effects, depression, sleep status, and stress levels before and after treatment were compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for postpartum depression recovery.

Post-treatment, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores decreased significantly in both groups, with the ropivacaine group showing greater improvements (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and cortisol (Cor) were significantly lower in the ropivacaine group compared to the escitalopram group (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate was higher in the ropivacaine group than in the escitalopram group (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression identified mode of delivery, household economic status, marital relationship, frequency of exercise during the second trimester, and treatment mode as independent risk factors for postpartum depression recovery (all P < 0.05).

Ultrasound-guided SGB with ropivacaine is an effective treatment for postpartum depression, significantly alleviating depression symptoms, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress levels. This treatment is recommended for clinical application.