Demedetomidine and Remifentanil in Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Overview

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment modality that induces therapeutic seizures through electrical stimulation for the management of certain psychiatric disorders. Nearly all ECT procedures are performed under general anesthesia. However, ECT is commonly associated with acute hyperdynamic responses immediately following electrical stimulation, including transient hypertension and tachycardia. These acute hemodynamic changes may pose significant risks, particularly in patients with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, or cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, the hemodynamic response, seizure quality, and recovery profile are critical factors influencing the choice of anesthetic and adjuvant agents. The primary goal of anesthesia for ECT is to maintain hemodynamic stability without compromising seizure duration or quality while ensuring rapid and safe recovery

Various pharmacological agents have been investigated in the Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures. Dexmedetomidine, widely used for sedation, attenuates stress-induced sympathoadrenal responses, reduces postoperative agitation, improves intraoperative hemodynamic stability, and decreases anesthetic requirements during a variety of surgical procedures. As an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, dexmedetomidine has been shown to attenuate the hyperdynamic response associated with ECT. Remifentanil is a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist characterized by its rapid onset and ultra-short duration of action due to rapid metabolism and elimination. An additional advantage of opioid agonists is their ability to suppress sympathetic responses without increasing the seizure threshold. Consequently, short-acting opioid analgesics such as remifentanil have been recommended as adjuncts during ECT because they improve hemodynamic stability, facilitate rapid recovery, and may prolong seizure duration. Both dexmedetomidine and remifentanil have been widely used for sedation in anesthesia practice for many years, and several studies have evaluated their use during ECT . Furthermore, the prescribing information for both agents indicates that they are approved for sedation in operating rooms and intensive care units. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on the hemodynamic response in patients undergoing ECT. The secondary objectives are to evaluate seizure duration and recovery characteristics. We anticipate that the findings of this study will contribute to the identification of a safer and more effective anesthetic approach for patients undergoing ECT.