Sudden Death After Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Context of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Mohamed Aden Hillow1, Edith Kamaru Kwobah, Benson Gakinya
1From the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya.
The Journal of ECT
|April 28, 2021
Insights
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally safe, but requires caution during COVID-19. Patients recovering from COVID-19 may have undetected blood clots, posing risks during ECT procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical procedures
- Infectious diseases
- Cardiovascular health
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a recognized medical treatment.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new considerations for patient safety.
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a known complication of severe infections.
Observation:
- Patients recovering from COVID-19 may present with asymptomatic or undetected VTE.
- This VTE risk persists even after the acute phase of the infection.
- Untoward outcomes can arise from VTE during medical procedures.
Findings:
- The combination of ECT and post-COVID-19 VTE risk necessitates careful patient evaluation.
- Undetected VTE can lead to serious complications during or after ECT.
- Risk stratification is crucial for patients with a history of COVID-19 undergoing ECT.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must exercise heightened vigilance for VTE in post-COVID-19 patients undergoing ECT.
- Screening protocols for VTE may be warranted in this patient population.
- Adapting ECT protocols to mitigate VTE risks is essential for patient safety.
Abstract
Conclusions:
Although ECT is a safe procedure, caution should be exercised in the context of COVID-19, as it is now clear that patients who recovered from COVID-19 might have an undetected venous thromboembolism that can cause untoward outcomes.
Ethical Consideration:
A written consent was obtained from the sister to the deceased patient.
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