Seizure length with sevoflurane and thiopental for induction of general anesthesia in electroconvulsive therapy: a randomized double-blind trial.
In general, seizure length does not correlate with clinical outcome with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but whether markedly short seizures are still therapeutic is unknown. Furthermore, seizure length effects on clinical outcome in ECT may be different among the various anesthetic agents available. Several studies have investigated the use of inhalational anesthesia in ECT with sevoflurane. In general, seizure length when reported has been in the range of typical values encountered in practice. We recently completed a randomized double blind trial with sevoflurane induction compared with thiopental. Seizure duration with sevoflurane anesthesia was 8 seconds shorter than with thiopental for electroencephalogram and 6.4 seconds shorter for motor, the latter just barely missing statistical significance. Absolute values for seizure duration with both sevoflurane and thiopental are well within typical ranges for those seen with the more commonly used methohexital as anesthetic.
Rasmussen
Keith G
KG
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. rasmussen.keith@mayo.edu
Laurila
Daniel R
DR
Brady
Bret M
BM
Lewis
Christy L
CL
Niemeyer
Kimberly D
KD
Sun
Norazlina M
NM
Marienau
Marie E S
ME
Hooten
W Michael
WM
Schroeder
Darrell R
DR
Spackman
Thomas M
TM
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D013874:Thiopental / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D013874:Thiopental