Electroconvulsive Therapy in Refractory and Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus in Adults: A Scoping Review

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been suggested as a treatment option for refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE).

The objective of this scoping review was to conduct an extensive literature review on the role of ECT as a treatment option for RSE and SRSE.

We searched Ovid MEDLINE and Scopus for journal articles from database inception until February 2024. Articles were then selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

We identified five retrospective case series with 28 adult patients receiving ECT for RSE or SRSE. ECT was administered within 3-70 days (mean 20 days) after the development of SE, and the mean number of ECT courses ranged from 1 to 12 sessions for each patient. ECT was administered in fixed or titrated doses. A total of 20 out of 28 patients (71%) showed clinical improvement, with two (7%) having complete cessation of seizures. It is essential to note that given the lack of control, there could be overreporting of clinical improvement in these studies. 11 patients (39%) were reported as deceased due to causes that were not directly related to ECT treatment. Four patients (14%) reported adverse effects of ECT, including memory, concentration, and/or cognitive impairment.

There are level-4 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine evidence and low-level Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Education evidence that suggest ECT as a treatment option for RSE and SRSE. In light of the limitations of the existing evidence, clinicians should carefully consider individual patients' clinical contexts when deciding on the appropriateness of ECT as a treatment option. Further research, including prospective studies with controlled designs, is needed to elucidate the efficacy, safety, and optimal regime of ECT in the management of RSE and SRSE.