Electroconvulsive therapy in pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of depressive and bipolar disorders has been advocated as being safe and effective in pregnancy.


METHODS
A primigravida underwent multiple electroconvulsive treatments during pregnancy for the diagnosis of major depression. The infant was subsequently born with multiple deep interhemispheric infarcts.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite reassuring statements regarding the safety of electroconvulsive therapy, this case report and a review of the literature suggests that electroconvulsive therapy during pregnancy should be performed with caution.
Pinette
Michael G
MG
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine 04102, USA. cartia@mmc.org
Santarpio
Camille
C
Wax
Joseph R
JR
Blackstone
Jacquelyn
J
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D020520:Brain Infarction / Q000209:etiology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D049188:Prenatal Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety