Abstract

COMPARISON OF THIOPENTONE SODIUM AND PROPOFOL IN ECT ANAESTHESIA

Premchand Kumar*, Ritesh Kumar Sinha, Anshu and Sanjay Kumar

ABSTRACT

Introduction: ECT is safe and effective in the treatment of severe depression unresponsive to drugs or where there is high risk of suicde. It was introduced in clinical practice based on the finding that psychiatric symptoms were improved after seizure in the patient sufferings from schizophrenia and severe depression. Objective: To compare cardiovascular changes after using Thiopentone Sodium and Propofol as induction agents for ECT. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on psychiatric ill patients needing ECT. In this study two induction agents were used: (Group A) Thiopentone Sodium and (group B) Propofol. A total of 60 cases were included 30 in each group. Cardiovascular changes (Heart rate, Blood pressure monitoring) and seizure response were evaluated along with any side effect. Result: Propofol offered superior haemodynamic stability during the procedure and a quick recovery from sleep. Arrhythmias occurred in 6% patients who received Thiopentone. Conclusion: Propofol, as induction agent for ECT, is better with respect to cardiovascular changes. Recovery was faster and side effects were mi nimal during recovery.

Keywords: Electroconvulsive therapy, Thiopental sodium, Propofol, Heart rate, Blood pressure.