[Survey on anaesthetic practices for electroconvulsivotherapy in French university hospitals].

Objectives: To evaluate the anaesthetic management of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in French university hospitals.

Study Design: National survey in university hospitals by mail.

Materials And Methods: An email was sent to heads of department of anaesthesiology in French university hospitals to identify a referent practitioner, which we then sent a computerized quiz. The questions were about the volume and organization of the activity, pre-, per- and post-anaesthetic management of patients undergoing ECT.

Results: Of the 33 sites performing ECT, 28 (85%) responded. The anaesthesia consultation was systematic at least 48 hours before the start of treatment but the preanaesthetic visit was performed in 32% of the centers. A routine electrocardiogram was performed in 89% of patients. In four centers (25%), neuromuscular blockade was not systematic. Propofol was the agent most widely used (82%) and etomidate and thiopental in 11% and 7% respectively. In two centers, practitioners did not report using oral protection. The psychiatrist was present in 71% of cases. The electroencephalogram was continuously recorded in 45% of the centers.

Conclusion: The recommendations remain valid while old and may be updated. They are not always followed by the teams. Continuing medical education should be promoted to a better understanding of the factors interfering between anesthesia and ECT.