Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has emerged as a rapid and effective form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in patients with treatment-resistant symptoms. Its short session duration and high neuroplasticity-inducing potential make it an attractive option, especially during pregnancy when minimizing treatment burden is crucial. Despite the growing use of iTBS in clinical practice, its application during pregnancy remains under-investigated. This case series examines five pregnant women with recurrent MDD who received iTBS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), evaluating both maternal response and fetal outcomes.
All five patients were diagnosed with recurrent MDD and had failed prior treatments, including antidepressants and psychotherapy. Their pregnancies ranged from 12 to 36 weeks at the time of initiation. Treatment protocols followed standardized iTBS parameters: 120% resting motor threshold (RMT), delivered in triplets of 50 Hz bursts repeated at 5 Hz, with 2-second trains and 8-second inter-train intervals, totaling 600 pulses per session.Peripherin Antibody supplier Sessions were administered three times per week over a six-week period. Outcome measures included the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self Report (QIDS-SR), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and clinical assessments by psychiatrists.
All patients showed significant symptom reduction. Four achieved remission, defined as QIDS-SR scores below 6 or MADRS scores below 10. One patient required additional sessions due to mild relapse but eventually reached full remission. No serious side effects were reported; transient headaches occurred in two patients, resolved within hours. All mothers maintained stable mood throughout pregnancy and continued treatment until delivery.
Fetal outcomes were uniformly positive. All five infants were born at or near term—between 37 and 39 weeks—with normal birth weights and Apgar scores above 8.TRIB1 Antibody Purity & Documentation One newborn presented with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, but no respiratory distress or other complications arose.PMID:35172256 Neonatal assessments at 24 hours showed no neurological abnormalities. Follow-up evaluations at 1 month confirmed healthy feeding, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones.
No congenital malformations, growth delays, or cognitive deficits were observed in any child during early infancy. The mothers were able to breastfeed without interruption. Notably, none of the patients experienced spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, or placental complications attributed to TMS.
These findings support the safety and efficacy of iTBS in pregnant women with severe depression. The short treatment duration (under 3 minutes per session) enhances feasibility and compliance, making it particularly suitable for this population. While larger controlled trials are needed, this series adds robust evidence that iTBS can be safely administered during pregnancy without adverse effects on the fetus. Given the risks of untreated depression—including increased suicide risk, poor prenatal care adherence, and postpartum complications—iTBS represents a valuable intervention. Clinicians should consider iTBS as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for pregnant women with refractory depression, balancing maternal mental health needs with fetal safety.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
