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Propofol interruption of ECT seizure to reduce side-effects: a pilot study
Ronald L Warnell1, Conrad M Swartz, Alice Thomson
1Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, 11374 Mountain View Avenue, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA. rwarnell@llu.edu
Psychiatry Research
|November 7, 2009
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be improved with propofol. This anesthesia agent helped prevent prolonged seizures and cognitive side effects in depressed patients undergoing ECT treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe depression.
- ECT can cause side effects, including prolonged seizures and cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of propofol on seizure duration and cognitive function during ECT.
- To determine if propofol can mitigate adverse effects associated with ECT.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen depressed patients received six bitemporal ECT treatments under etomidate anesthesia.
- Patients were randomized to receive either propofol (0.5mg/kg, 15s post-stimulus) or a placebo.
- Neuropsychological tests were administered to assess cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Propofol infusion significantly reduced the duration of seizures during ECT.
- Propofol administration prevented cognitive decrements in most neuropsychological tests.
- Several cognitive measures showed statistically significant improvements with propofol use.
Conclusions:
- Propofol administration is a promising adjunct to ECT for reducing seizure duration.
- Propofol may help mitigate cognitive side effects commonly associated with ECT.
- Interrupting propofol infusion could be a clinical strategy to reduce ECT-related adverse events.
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