Context:Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with tachycardia and hypertension.Aims:The aim of this study was to compare two doses of dexmedetomidine, esmolol, and lignocaine with respect to hemodynamics, seizure duration, emergence agitation (EA), and recovery profile.Methodology:Thirty patients undergoing ECT were assigned to each of the following pretreatment regimes over the course of five ECT sessions in a randomized crossover design: Group D1 (dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg), Group D0.5 (dexmedetomidine0.5 μg/kg), Group E (esmolol 1 mg/kg), Group L (lignocaine 1 mg/kg), and Group C (saline as placebo) before induction. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), seizure duration, EA, and time to discharge were evaluated.Results:Groups D1, D0.5, and esmolol had significantly reduced response of HR, MAP compared to lignocaine and control groups at 1, 3, 5 min after ECT (P < 0.05). Motor seizure duration was comparable in all groups except Group L (P = 0.000). Peak HR was significantly decreased in all groups compared to control. Total propofol requirement was reduced in D1 (P = 0.000) and D0.5 (P = 0.001) when compared to control. Time to spontaneous breathing was comparable in all the groups (P > 0.05). Time to eye opening and time to discharge were comparable in all groups (P > 0.05) except Group D1 (P = 0.001). EA score was least in Group D1 (P = 0.000).Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg, 0.5 μg/kg, and esmolol produced significant amelioration of cardiovascular response to ECT without affecting seizure duration, results being best with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg. However, the latter has the shortcoming of delayed recovery.

Background:This study evaluated the effect of dexmedetomidine on the acute hyperdynamic response, duration of seizure activity, and recovery profile in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).Aims:To study the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg intravenous in ECT in terms of attenuation of the hyperdynamic response, seizures duration, and sedation.Design:This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, crossover study.Materials and Methods:Thirty patients were included in the study and were treated as both cases and controls. The study drug was given 10 min before induction of anesthesia. Vital parameters and recovery scores were recorded.Results:In Group D, heart rates at 3rd and 5th min after electric stimulus (T6 and T7, respectively) were 94.5 ± 20.1 and 90.4 ± 12.8/min as compared to 111.9 ± 15.5 and 109.0 ± 13.7 in Group N, respectively (P < 0.0001). The systolic blood pressure in Group D and Group N were 116.53 ± 26.09 and 138.03 ± 19.32 at T6, respectively (P < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were significantly reduced after induction and electric stimulus in Group D. The seizures duration was similar in both groups. Modified Aldrete's Score and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Score were prolonged in Group D.Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine, before the induction of anesthesia, prevents the acute hyperdynamic responses to ECT without altering the seizures duration. However, patients may have delayed recovery and delayed discharge.