The Effect of Adding Dexmedetomidine on Change in Heart Rate and Blood Pressure After Induction of Anesthesia with Thiopental Sodium in Electroconvulsive Therapy; A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an appropriate way in treatment of major depression. ECT is usually associated with acute hyperdynamic responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on changes in heart rate and blood pressure after induction of anesthesia with thiopental sodium in children treated with ECT.

 In this study, 60 children who were candidates for ECT were randomly divided into two groups, who received dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg) or normal salin 0.9% (1 mg) before ECT. Hemodynamic changes were recorded at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after intubation.

 After intervention, the incidence of alteration in arterial oxygen saturation, tachycardia and bradycardia, any change in blood pressure, and heart rate was not significantly different between two groups. The mean duration of induced seizure was not significantly different between the two groups, but return of breathing and recovery time were significantly higher in the intervention group (P < 0.001).

Administration of 2 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in children receiving ECT did not significantly alter hemodynamic parameters such as arterial oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, and complications in comparison with controls; hence it increased return of breathing and recovery time compared to control group.