Evaluation of the Efficacy of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Relation to the Anesthetic Agent Applied: A Retrospective Analysis.
The journal of ECT April 28, 2025 Selin Balki Tekin, Ayşe Nur İnci Kenar, İhsan Anıl Doğruyol et al.
A retrospective analysis of medical records from March 2023 to July 2024 examined 149 patients (mean age 41.72 years, 54.4% female) who received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). At least one side effect occurred in 23 patients. The number of effective ECT sessions was statistically significantly higher in patients given ketamine alone compared to those given propofol, propofol to ketamine, or a propofol-ketamine combination. No significant relationship was found between anesthetic type and side effects. The combination of ketamine and propofol may be safer regarding side effects and cognitive functions than either alone, and ketamine alone may be a viable alternative when seizures are ineffective.