The Comparison of the Effect of Repetitive Doses of Succinylcholine and Thiopental Sodium on the Duration and Severity of Seizure in Electro Convulsive Therapy: Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and Aim: Regarding the controversial results on the effects of anesthetics, especially thiopental sodium, on the duration and severity of seizure and the lack of adequate information on the use of doses of anesthetic and paralysing drugs during ECT, this study was designed to determine the effect of repetitive doses of succinylcholine and Thiopental sodium was administered on the duration and severity of seizure during ECT. Materials and Methods: The present study was a one-blind randomized clinical trial on patients admitted to the psychiatric ward of Dezful Ganjavian Hospital. The research samples were selected after informed consent and entry criteria. Then, the samples were randomly assigned to two groups. In one group, succinylcholine dose was repeated (one third of the initial dose), and in the other group, the dose of thiopental sodium was repeated (one third of the initial dose). In all patients, seizure duration based on EEG monitoring and severity of seizure was determined by the psychiatrist based on the symptoms of the patient during seizure. Results: There was a significant difference between the quality of seizure in the two treatment groups after the intervention. There was a strong and good seizure in the thiopental sodium group (p <0.0001). There was a significant difference between the variables of seizure status in comparison with the previous shock in the two treatment groups after the intervention (p <0.0001). The duration of seizure was higher in thiopental sodium treatment group, but no significant difference was observed (p = 0.82). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the duration and quality of seizure was better in patients requiring repetitive doses of hypnotic drugs (Thiopental Sodium), which was used to repeat the dose of muscle relaxant (succinylcholine).