Retrospective comparison of effectiveness of right unilateral ultra-brief pulse with brief pulse ECT in older adults (over 65) with depression.
BACKGROUND
To compare response, remission and switch (to other pulse width and/or electrode placement) rates and number of treatments between groups receiving right unilateral ultra-brief (RUL-UB), Bitemporal brief (BT), Bifrontal Brief (BF) and Right unilateral brief (RUL-B).


METHODS
Data was collected from case notes in three centers. There were 133 in total, grouped as RUL-UB (50), BT (43), BF (23), RUL-B (17). Two of the three centers had a preferred electrode placement and pulse width.


RESULTS
Apart from age, the groups did not differ significantly on sex distribution, proportion of bipolar depression and psychotic symptoms. 56% of patients in RUL-UB switched compared to 12.5% in RUL-B, 4.9% in BT and none in BF (p value < 0.0001). When we considered patients who switched as treatment failures, remission rates were significantly different (p value < 0.0001) 40% in RUL-UB, 81.3% in RUL-B, 73.9% in BF and 78.0% in BT. Mean number of treatments in each group was significantly different (p value < 0.0001); 12.02 in RUL-UB, 10.2 in RUL-B, 7 in BF and 7.5 in BT. Post-hoc analysis indicated that RUL-UB differed significantly from BT and BF. Final response and remission rates including patients who switched were 98% and 82% in RUL-UB, 100% and 93.8% in RUL-B, 100% and 73.9% in BF and 97.7% and 83.7% in BT.


CONCLUSIONS
Majority commencing RUL-UB switched and received 4-5 more treatments compared to bilateral placements. RUL-UB ECT appears less effective and might not be appropriate as first line for all older adults as some patients at higher anaesthetic risk would benefit from having reduced number of treatments.
Consultation Liaison Psychiatry,Gosford Hospital,Central Coast Local Health District,PO Box 361,Gosford 2250 NSW,Australia.
Jothi
J
Ramalingam
The University of Melbourne,VIC,Australia.
Alby
A
Elias
Director of Medical Services Peter James Centre and Wantirna Health,Clinical Director of Aged Persons Mental Health,Eastern Health,Director of ECT for Eastern Health,Conjoint Clinical Professor,Deakin University,Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor,Monash University,Peter James Centre,Mahoneys Road,Forest Hill,VIC 3131,Australia.
Kuruvilla
K
George
CMO,Central Coast Local Health District,PO Box 361,Gosford 2250,NSWAustralia.
Sathish
S
Thangapandian
Department of Rural Health,Melbourne Medical School,The University of Melbourne,Australia.
Ravi
R
Bhat
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
bifrontal; bitemporal; elderly; electroconvulsive therapy; electrode placement; late life depression; right unilateral; ultra-brief electroconvulsive therapy