Abstract

Convulsive interventions have been used for treatment of different psychiatric illnesses since the 16th century and even today in the form of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).1 General anaesthesia is required for ECT and it is usually provided by a hypnotic agent. Considering the intravenous anaesthetics, it should provide a smooth and rapid induction, with minimal effects on seizure activity, rapid recovery and hemodynamic stability. The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic effects and seizure activity during Modified Electroconvulsive therapy with Propofol and Ketamine used as inducing agents. Methods: The present study was a prospective, single blinded, randomized controlled and comprised of 60 psychiatric patients. The patients were randomized to receive either Propofol (group P) or Ketamine (group K) as an inducing agent 30 patients each. To compare the study groups, parametric data (like age, sex, weight) was analyzed by paired Student’s t-test and non-parametric data was compared by chi square test. Results: Ketamine caused significant rise in Heart rate (HR) and both systolic as well as mean arterial pressures at the time of induction, muscle relaxation and electrical stimulation as compared to propofol. Ketamine group had the significant more seizure duration than that of propofol group. Recovery time was less in propofol group but statistically was not significant. Conclusion: use of ketamine has favourable effect on the seizure duration and may have clinical advantage but at the cost of unacceptable hemodynamic parameters. So, it must be used with vasoactive drugs to control rise in HR, Blood pressure.

Description