Comparison of Propofol and Ketofol as Induction Agents for Electroconvulsive Therapy

Overview

This randomized controlled trial will compare two anesthetic agents, propofol and ketofol (a combination of propofol and ketamine), in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Propofol is commonly used but may lower blood pressure, while ketofol may help maintain more stable cardiovascular function. The study will evaluate changes in systolic blood pressure following ECT when either propofol or ketofol is used for anesthesia induction. A total of 80 adult patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Findings may guide anesthesiologists in selecting the safest and most effective induction agent for ECT.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an established treatment for depression and other psychiatric disorders that do not respond to medications. The procedure requires short-term anesthesia. Propofol is the most commonly used drug for anesthesia during ECT because it acts quickly and allows patients to recover rapidly, but it is often linked with low blood pressure and shorter seizure duration. Ketamine, another anesthetic drug, increases blood pressure and heart rate and may prolong seizures, but it is rarely used alone because of side effects such as agitation. A newer approach is to combine both drugs, known as ketofol, to balance their effects. This study will directly compare propofol and ketofol as induction agents during ECT, with a focus on how each affects systolic blood pressure. Eighty adult patients scheduled for ECT will be randomly assigned to receive either propofol or ketofol for anesthesia. Blood pressure will be measured before and after the procedure, and additional information such as seizure duration, recovery time, and side effects will be recorded. The results will provide evidence on whether ketofol offers better hemodynamic stability than propofol alone, potentially improving safety during ECT.