Anaesthetic management for electroconvulsive therapy during the second trimester pregnancy

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for patients with psychotic disorders that do not respond to medication. Usually, many psychotropic drugs have a teratogenic effect on the foetus. ECT seems to be a relatively safe and effective choice of treatment in pregnant patients. Adverse events such as foetal heart rate reduction, uterine contractions and premature labour do occur during ECT. We report our experience with ECT in the treatment of first episode of mania with psychosis in a patient in second trimester of pregnancy.