Comparative study to evaluate anesthetic effect of Thiopentone Sodium and Propofol in electroconvulsive therapy

Introduction: In therapeutic management of psychiatric illness the response to electroconvulsive therapy may be attenuated if anesthesia that is used abolishes or inhibits seizures. Anesthetic agents used for electroconvulsive therapy should provided smooth and rapid induction, a rapid recovery, minimal alteration of the physiological effects of electroconvulsive therapy as well as minimal antagonistic effects on seizure activity. Material and methods: In study of 120 patients with ASA grade I or II, having indication for Electroconvulsive therapy, half were randomly anaesthetized by 2.5% Thiopental Sodium with dose 3 mg/kg (Group I) and 1% Propofol in 1.5 mg/kg dose (Group II). A current of 110 volts was administered for 0.5 seconds. The settings and position of the electrodes were kept constant by the psychiatrist. Pulse and Blood pressure monitoring and Seizure response were evaluated along with side effects if any. Observation: After Induction, systolic BP in the 2 Groups did not show any significant (p>0.05) difference while the diastolic BP was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the propofol group. After suxamethonium systolic and diastolic BP were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the propofol group. After completion of seizure systolic BP came down to basal level at 10 mins and diastolic BP came down to basal level at 15 mins. While in the thiopentone sodium group, the BP did not come down even the end of 15 mins. The duration of seizure activity in the propofol group was markedly reduced (p<0.05) as compared to the thiopentone sodium group. The time from induction to electrical stimulus were found to be similar (p>0.05) in both groups. Recovery timing from induction to eye opening and induction to walking unaided were significantly (p<0.001) lower in the propofol groups suggesting faster recovery. During induction, higher percentage of patients showed discomfort on injection in the propofol group while during recovery headache, nausea and vomiting were noted in more patients within thiopentone group. Conclusion: Propofol group compared to thiopentone sodium had reduced increase in BP and pulse rate, reduced duration of seizure activity. Recovery was faster and side effects were reduced during recovery.