Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine as premedication prior to electroconvulsive therapy, a Randomized controlled cross over study.

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 3 and 5 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 ( < 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 ( < 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.