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Etomidate in electroconvulsive therapy. A within-patient comparison with alphaxalone/alphadalone
Anaesthesia
|October 1, 1977
Summary
Etomidate and alphaxalone/alphadalone showed similar recovery times after electroconvulsive therapy. Etomidate caused more involuntary movements and injection pain, but both anesthetics had few venous complications.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) requires safe and effective anesthetic induction agents.
- Etomidate and alphaxalone/alphadalone are commonly used for ECT, but their comparative effects require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the recovery profiles and adverse effects of etomidate and alphaxalone/alphadalone in patients undergoing ECT.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 31 patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy.
- Comparison of recovery times for eyelash reflex, swallowing, and respiration.
- Assessment of involuntary movements, muscle tone, injection pain, and venous sequelae.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in recovery times between etomidate and alphaxalone/alphadalone.
- Significantly higher incidence of involuntary movements and increased muscle tone with etomidate.
- 15% incidence of injection pain with etomidate; low incidence of venous sequelae for both.
Conclusions:
- Etomidate and alphaxalone/alphadalone exhibit comparable recovery profiles following ECT.
- Etomidate is associated with a higher incidence of transient adverse effects like involuntary movements and injection pain.
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