Comparison of Motor Seizure Duration of Ketofol and Propofol for Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

Objectives: Propofol and ketamine have become progressively popular in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) anesthesia. Ketofol is a combination of ketamine and Propofol, and the current study was designed to evaluate the effect of Ketofol and Propofol on motor seizure duration, hemodynamic profile and recovery times in patients undergoing ECT. Methods: Fifty-four ECT sessions were randomized into Ketofol and Propofol group. Motor seizure duration, hemodynamic profile and recovery times were recorded. Results: Motor seizure duration in Ketofol group (28.55 + 6.54 seconds) was longer than Propofol group (22.22 + 7.94 seconds) which was statistically significant (p =0.002). Both drugs had motor seizure duration within the therapeutic range. At 1 min after the end of seizure heart rate in Propofol group (97.40 + 18.18 bpm) was lower compared to Ketofol group (109.37 + 17.69 bpm) which was statistically significant (p= 0.017). Similarly at 5 min after the end of seizure the heart rate in Propofol group (95.25 + 10.38 bpm) was lower compared to Ketofol group (102.51 ± 13.65) which was statistically significant (p= 0.032). There was no statistically significant difference in recovery times between Ketofol and Propofol group. Conclusion: Although Ketofol 1:1 mixture is associated with a longer motor seizure duration than Propofol in ECT anesthesia, both drugs are equally effective in producing motor seizure duration within the therapeutic range.