Electroconvulsive Therapy Seizure Research Articles

Restoration of postictal cortical activity after electroconvulsive therapy relates to recovery of orientation in person, place, and time.

Most patients show temporary impairments in clinical orientation after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-induced seizures. It is unclear how postictal reorientation relates to electroencephalography (EEG) restoration. This relationship may provide additional measures to quantify postictal recovery and shed light on neurophysiological aspects of reorientation after ECT. We analyzed prospectively collected clinical and continuous ictal and postictal EEG data from ECT patients. Postictal EEG restoration up to 1 h was estimated by the evolution of the normalized alpha-delta ratio (ADR). Times to reorientation in the cognitive domains of person, place, and time were assessed postictally. In each cognitive domain, a linear mixed model was fitted to investigate the relationships between time to reorientation and postictal EEG restoration. In total, 272 pairs of ictal-postictal EEG and reorientation times of 32 patients were included. In all domains, longer time to reorientation was associated with slower postictal EEG recovery. Longer seizure duration and postictal administration of midazolam were related to longer time to reorientation in all domains. At 1-hour post-seizure, most patients were clinically reoriented, while their EEG had only partly restored. We show a relationship between postictal EEG restoration and clinical reorientation after ECT-induced seizures. EEG was more sensitive than reorientation time in all domains to detect postictal recovery beyond 1-hour post-seizure. Our findings indicate that clinical reorientation probably depends on gradual cortical synaptic recovery, with longer seizure duration leading to longer postsynaptic suppression after ECT seizures.

A Retrospective Matched Comparison Study of Prolonged Seizures in ECT.

This study assessed the incidence of and risk factors for prolonged seizures (>180 sec) in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In 611 adult patients undergoing 6697 ECT treatments administered over a 2.5-year study period, 29 individuals experienced 42 prolonged seizures. A comparison sample (n = 29) was matched on sex, age, and treatment, and compared on psychiatric and medical diagnoses, as well as current medications. To examine the association between the characteristics and prolonged seizure, conditional logistic regression models or exact McNemar tests were conducted. Prolonged seizures occurred on average in 1 of every 167 treatments. No specific psychiatric disorders or medical conditions were associated with the prolonged seizure group. Antipsychotic drugs were used in a higher proportion of the comparison group than in the prolonged seizure group, suggesting a protective effect. Atropine was used in a lower proportion of the long seizure group than in the comparison group. No untoward sequelae occurred, and no progression to status epilepticus was observed. Prolonged seizures appear to be an uncommon complication of ECT in adults. The characteristics examined in this study suggest limited association of psychotropic medications with prolonged seizures. Treatment of prolonged seizures was straightforward. Prolonged seizures had no impact on the course of treatment. Further exploration of prolonged seizures would enhance the generalizability of the findings from this single site study.

Towards a network control theory of electroconvulsive therapy response.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is arguably the most effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression. While large interindividual variability exists, a theory capable of explaining individual response to ECT remains elusive. To address this, we posit a quantitative, mechanistic framework of ECT response based on Network Control Theory (NCT). Then, we empirically test our approach and employ it to predict ECT treatment response. To this end, we derive a formal association between Postictal Suppression Index (PSI)-an ECT seizure quality index-and whole-brain modal and average controllability, NCT metrics based on white-matter brain network architecture, respectively. Exploiting the known association of ECT response and PSI, we then hypothesized an association between our controllability metrics and ECT response mediated by PSI. We formally tested this conjecture in N = 50 depressive patients undergoing ECT. We show that whole-brain controllability metrics based on pre-ECT structural connectome data predict ECT response in accordance with our hypotheses. In addition, we show the expected mediation effects via PSI. Importantly, our theoretically motivated metrics are at least on par with extensive machine learning models based on pre-ECT connectome data. In summary, we derived and tested a control-theoretic framework capable of predicting ECT response based on individual brain network architecture. It makes testable, quantitative predictions regarding individual therapeutic response, which are corroborated by strong empirical evidence. Our work might constitute a starting point for a comprehensive, quantitative theory of personalized ECT interventions rooted in control theory.

Correlating electroconvulsive therapy response to electroencephalographic markers: Study protocol.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective intervention for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite longstanding use, the underlying mechanisms of ECT are unknown, and there are no objective prognostic biomarkers that are routinely used for ECT response. Two electroencephalographic (EEG) markers, sleep slow waves and sleep spindles, could address these needs. Both sleep microstructure EEG markers are associated with synaptic plasticity, implicated in memory consolidation, and have reduced expression in depressed individuals. We hypothesize that ECT alleviates depression through enhanced expression of sleep slow waves and sleep spindles, thereby facilitating synaptic reconfiguration in pathologic neural circuits. Correlating ECT Response to EEG Markers (CET-REM) is a single-center, prospective, observational investigation. Wireless wearable headbands with dry EEG electrodes will be utilized for at-home unattended sleep studies to allow calculation of quantitative measures of sleep slow waves (EEG SWA, 0.5-4 Hz power) and sleep spindles (density in number/minute). High-density EEG data will be acquired during ECT to quantify seizure markers. This innovative study focuses on the longitudinal relationships of sleep microstructure and ECT seizure markers over the treatment course. We anticipate that the results from this study will improve our understanding of ECT.

Intercorrelation of physiological seizure parameters and hormonal changes in electroconvulsive therapy

Objective Physiological parameters that predict electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectiveness may reflect propagation of the induced epileptic seizure. As an indication of seizure propagation to the diencephalon, we here examined the correlation between prolactin increase after ECT and clinical seizure evaluation parameters, focusing on peak heart rate. As a proxy for peripheral endocrine stress response, we examined the correlation to postictal cortisol increase. Methods Participants were consecutively recruited from clinical ECT patients (n = 131, age 18–85 years). The first ECT session in a series was examined. For each participant, blood serum concentrations of prolactin and cortisol were measured immediately before and within 30 min after the seizure. Physiological parameters were extracted from clinical records: peak heart rate (HR) during seizure, electroencephalography (EEG) seizure duration, and motor seizure duration. Correlations were calculated using non-parametric tests. Results Serum prolactin increased after ECT and correlated with peak HR, EEG seizure duration, and motor seizure duration. Peak HR during seizure also correlated positively with both EEG seizure duration and motor seizure duration. Correlations were unaffected by age, sex, baseline prolactin levels, antipsychotics, or beta-blocking agents. Serum cortisol increased after ECT but did not correlate with the seizure evaluation parameters, nor with prolactin concentrations. Conclusions Our findings of a positive correlation between peak HR and prolactin that was independent from the peripheral endocrine stress response might be in line with the idea that tachycardia during ECT seizures reflects seizure propagation to the diencephalon. This supports the practice of monitoring cardiovascular response for ECT seizure evaluation.

Tardive Seizures After Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Seizures that occur spontaneously after termination of an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizure are termed tardive seizures. They are thought to be a rare complication of ECT, influenced by risk factors that affect seizure threshold. However, there has been limited review of tardive seizures with modified ECT. We aimed to review the literature to provide clinical guidance for the use of ECT after tardive seizures. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to May 2021 to identify cases of modified ECT, with evidence of a seizure occurring within 7 days of a terminated ECT seizure. Data for demographic, medical, pharmacological, anesthetic, and ECT variables as well as management strategies were collected. There have been 39 episodes of modified ECT-related tardive seizures published over a period of 40 years. In 97.4% of cases, there was at least 1 identified potential risk factor for seizures, including use of a seizure-lowering medication and/or preexisting neurological injury. Major complications were uncommon (<15% of cases); however, 1 fetal death and 1 subsequent suicide were reported. No case was diagnosed with epilepsy, although around 20% continued on antiepileptic medications. More than half of the included patients were retrialed on ECT, with only 15% developing further tardive seizures. Seizures that occurred spontaneously after the termination of an ECT seizure are a rare complication of modified ECT. Recommencing ECT after a tardive seizure may occur after review of modifiable seizure risk factors and with consideration of antiepileptic medication and extended post-ECT monitoring.

Neuroactive steroids in relation to a single electroconvulsive therapy seizure and subsequent clinical outcome

Neuroactive steroids in relation to a single electroconvulsive therapy seizure and subsequent clinical outcome

Selecting right unilateral placement to facilitate continuation of electroconvulsive therapy following prolonged seizures

Available literature remains limited in the identification of risk factors for prolonged seizures in electroconvulsive therapy and much less is reported about the continuation of electroconvulsive therapy after prolonged seizures. We describe two cases with prolonged seizures early in their course of electroconvulsive therapy and the subsequent adjustment made that allowed for safe and effective continuation of electroconvulsive therapy. In both cases, right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy was continued at a suprathreshold stimulus dose of six times relative to seizure threshold. Both patients continued their course of electroconvulsive therapy with no further episodes of prolonged seizures. They did not experience significant cognitive side effects and were discharged after showing marked improvement in their clinical symptoms. Prolonged seizures do not preclude the use of electroconvulsive therapy. The selection of ultrabrief right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy allows for a higher suprathreshold dose with less cognitive side effects compared to bilateral placements. This mitigates the risk of prolonged seizures, allowing for safe and effective continuation of electroconvulsive therapy.

Seizures induced in electroconvulsive therapy as a human epilepsy model: A comparative case study.

ObjectiveStandardized investigation of epileptic seizures and the postictal state may contribute to a better understanding of ictal and postictal phenomena. This comparative case study aims to assess whether electrically induced seizures in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) show sufficient similarities with spontaneous seizures to serve as a human epilepsy model.MethodsWe compared six EEG recordings, three ECT‐induced seizures and three generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, using quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) analyses. EEG recordings during and after ECT sessions (under general anesthesia and muscle paralysis) were collected prospectively, whereas epilepsy data were selected retrospectively. Time‐frequency representations, dominant ictal frequencies, and postictal alpha‐delta ratios were calculated.ResultsIn all EEG recordings, a decrease in dominant ictal frequency was observed, as well as postictal suppression. Postictal alpha‐delta ratio indicated the same trend for all: a gradual increase from predominantly delta to alpha frequencies on timescales of hours after the seizure. Postictal spectral representation was similar. Muscle artifacts were absent in ECT‐induced seizures and present in spontaneous seizures. Ictal amplitude was higher in epileptic than in ECT‐induced seizures. Temporospectral ictal dynamics varied slightly between groups.SignificanceWe show that ictal and postictal characteristics in ECT and patients with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures are essentially similar. ECT‐induced seizures may be used to investigate aspects of ictal and postictal states in a highly predictable manner and well‐controlled environment. This suggests that clinical and electrophysiological observations during ECT may be extrapolated to epilepsy with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures.

Carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine and valproate have different effects on the electroconvulsive therapy seizure threshold

Patients receiving mood stabilizers such as valproate (VAL) and carbamazepine (CMZP)/Oxcarbazepine (OX) may be referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The relative effects of these anticonvulsants on seizure threshold and seizure duration are unknown. We extracted data for a 20-month period from the medical records of patients who received bilateral ECT while on treatment with VAL (n=102) or CMZP/OX (n=31; 20 on CMZP, 11 on oxcarbazepine). Age-matched ECT-treated anticonvulsant-free patients (n=133) formed the control group. Seizure threshold in these patients had been determined by stimulus dose titration. The effect of VAL vs CMZP/OX on seizure threshold was examined using multivariable regression with adjustment for confounders. The mean (standard deviation) seizure threshold at the first ECT was highest in the CMZP/OX group (243.9 [106.1] mC), intermediate in the VAL group (177.7 [97.0] mC), and lowest in the control group (138.7 [86.0 Mc]). The regression model explained 37.5% of the variance in seizure threshold at the first ECT. Age, use of CMZP/OX, and anticonvulsant dose were each significantly associated with higher seizure threshold. CMZP/OX was associated with a higher initial ECT seizure threshold than VAL. ECT practitioners may prefer to start with a higher initial stimulus dose in patients receiving CMZP/OX or VAL, and more so for CMZP/OX than VAL, to avoid repeated sub-convulsive stimuli being administered.

An Observational Retrospective Study Investigating Changes in Seizure Adequacy Parameters of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Their Relationships to Clinical Outcome in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder.

The aim of the current study was to investigate a possible relationship between electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizure adequacy parameters and clinical outcome as well as differences between ECT responders and nonresponders in terms of ECT seizure parameters in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. First and last ECT records data, sociodemographic variables, and baseline and post ECT Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores were obtained. Maximum sustained power was higher in last ECT in favor of responders while peak heart rate was higher in ECT nonresponders than responders in first ECT. Stimulus doses were higher in last ECT than in the first ECT in both groups. No predictor variable was observed among baseline ECT seizure parameters for clinical improvement. Study was insufficient to yield a precise finding pointing a relationship between electrophysiological seizure parameters and clinical outcome in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Intraclass correlations of seizure duration by wavelet transform, sample entropy, and visual determination in electroconvulsive therapy.

Although electroconvulsive therapy seizure duration has been shown to have limited relevance to efficacy, seizure duration remains important for clinically valid stimulus efficiency. There has been no report on seizure duration using sample entropy with Thymatron (Somatics, Inc), which is widely used in Japan. Furthermore, wavelet transform analysis is also suitable for a seizure because of the wide range of dominant frequencies. Therefore, in this study with Thymatron, the intraclass correlations of seizure duration determined by sample entropy, wavelet transform, and visual determination were investigated to determine whether these methods were applicable for clinical use. Wavelet transform, sample entropy, and the human rater had high intraclass correlations for seizure duration. The present results indicate that wavelet transform and sample entropy can be useful in the clinical electroconvulsive therapy setting, and they may also be suitable for clinical research into the mechanisms of the generalized tonic‐clonic seizures related to the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy.

Central-Positive Complexes: A Novel Characterization of Ictal Markers Induced During Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Electroencephalography (EEG) allows monitoring of generalized seizures induced during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Scalp EEG recordings show different phases of electroencephalographic ictal activity during ECT seizures, documenting a pattern of seizures that may vary within and across individuals. In this case series, we used 64-electrode high-density EEG recording to detect topographic electroencephalographic changes not typically evident with conventional limited montages commonly used during ECT. The EEG recordings were acquired from 5 participants (24 ECT sessions) during index courses for treatment-resistant depression. Using previously proposed staging criteria, the ictal EEG and simultaneously acquired video were interpreted by an expert reviewer blinded to study treatment parameters. The EEG recordings of all seizures showed generalized, high-amplitude, central-positive complexes (CPCs), which emerged at the beginning of phase III (polyspike and slow wave activity), with median duration of 47 seconds (interquartile range, 77 seconds), ranging from 14 to 203 seconds. Although individuals showed variability in frequency and amplitude of CPCs, CPCs typically evolved from 4.0 to 1.5 Hz in frequency and decreased in amplitude as the seizure progressed. Elaborating on previously described phases of ECT-induced electrographic seizures, we describe variability in morphology at seizure termination. Initiation of CPCs typically corresponded with clonic movements, but often terminated after motor signs ceased. Generalized, high-amplitude, CPCs during ECT are a previously uncharacterized ictal waveform during ECT, which may have important scientific and clinical value. These complexes offer a specific marker for correlating clinical outcomes in ECT and greater understanding of generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Cardiac stress after electroconvulsive therapy and spontaneous generalized convulsive seizures: A prospective echocardiographic and blood biomarker study

AimKnowledge about cardiac stress related to seizures in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and spontaneously occurring generalized convulsive seizures (GCS) is limited. The aim of the present study was to analyze cardiac function and circulating markers of cardiac stress in the early postictal period after ECT and GCS. MethodsPatients undergoing ECT in the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics and patients undergoing diagnostic video-EEG monitoring (VEM) in the Department of Neurology were prospectively enrolled between November 2017 and November 2018. Cardiac function was examined twice using transthoracic echocardiography within 60 min and >4 h after ECT or GCS. Established blood markers (troponin T high-sensitive, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) of cardiac stress or injury were collected within 30 min, 4 to 6 h, and 24 h after ECT or GCS. In the ECT group, the troponin T values were also correlated with periprocedural heart rate and blood pressure values. Because of organizational or technical reasons, the measurement was not performed in all patients. ResultsTwenty patients undergoing ECT and 6 patients with epilepsy with a GCS during VEM were included. Postictal echocardiography showed no wall motion disorders and no change in left ventricular and right ventricular functions. Four of 17 patients displayed a transient increase in high-sensitive cardiac troponin T 4–6 h after the seizure (3 patients with ECT-induced seizure). None of these 4 patients had signs of an acute cardiac event, and periprocedural blood pressure or heart rate peaks during ECT did not significantly differ in patients with and without troponin T elevation. ConclusionsSigns of mild cardiac stress can occur in some patients following ECT or GCS without clinical complications, probably related to excessive catecholamine release during the seizure.

Brain stimulation method and analysis of eeg seizure time series

The aim of this research work is to develop keeping in mind the sweeping changes in Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT). It is has been tried to inculcate these improvements to make the research work efficient and feasible. ECT is most effective treatment available to certain severe neurological disorders. Recent studies demonstrate association between certain parameters and methods of ECT seizure induction. There is evidence that the latter and therapeutic potency of ECT related. Seizure was obtained unilateral and bilateral application of electrical stimulus. An adequate seizure during ECT is still defined by its duration. Differing therapeutic potencies of ECT procedures cannot be explained on seizure duration alone; other parameter is spectral power in delta frequency band of EEG. This research work is to examine the clinical application of the findings to elucidate the therapeutic relevance of seizure measures other than seizure duration. The other measuring seizure parameters relevant therapeutic mechanism of ECT are power distribution, synchronization in various phases of EEG time series data collected during ECT and spectral power distribution in frequency bands of EEG. This research work involves several signal processing techniques: four channel EEG time series digital signal calibration, removing baseline drift, filtering processes to eliminate noise and artifacts, an automated selection of seizure phases. From the quantified EEG an empirical criterion for brain stimulus has been obtained.

A Blind Module Identification Approach for Predicting Effective Connectivity Within Brain Dynamical Subnetworks.

Model-based network discovery measures, such as the brain effective connectivity, require fitting of generative process models to measurements obtained from key areas across the network. For distributed dynamic phenomena, such as generalized seizures and slow-wave sleep, studying effective connectivity from real-time recordings is significantly complicated since (i) outputs from only a subnetwork can be practically measured, and (ii) exogenous subnetwork inputs are unobservable. Model fitting, therefore, constitutes a challenging blind module identification or model inversion problem for finding both the parameters and the many unknown inputs of the subnetwork. We herein propose a novel estimation framework for identifying nonlinear dynamic subnetworks in the case of slowly-varying, otherwise unknown local inputs. Starting with approximate predictions obtained using Cubature Kalman filtering, residuals of local output predictions are utilized to improve upon local input estimates. The algorithm performance is tested on both simulated and clinical EEG of induced seizures under electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). For the simulated network, the algorithm significantly boosted the estimation accuracy for inputs and connections from noisy EEG. For the clinical data, the algorithm predicted increased subnetwork inputs during the pre-stimulus anesthesia condition. Importantly, it predicted an increased frontocentral connectivity during the generalized seizure that is commensurate with electrode placement and that corroborates the clinical hypothesis of increased frontal focality of therapeutic ECT seizures. The proposed framework can be extended to account for several input configurations and can in principle be applied to study effective connectivity within brain subnetworks defined at the microscale (cortical lamina interaction) or at the macroscale (sensory integration).

Differences in Seizure Expression Between Magnetic Seizure Therapy and Electroconvulsive Shock.

Evidence suggests that magnetic seizure therapy (MST) results in fewer side effects than electroconvulsive treatment, both in humans treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as well as in the animal preclinical model that uses electroconvulsive shock (ECS). Evidence suggests that MST results in fewer cognitive side effects than ECT. Although MST offers enhanced control over seizure induction and spread, little is known about how MST and ECT seizures differ. Seizure characteristics are associated with treatment effect. This study presents quantitative analyses of electroencephalogram (EEG) power after electrical and magnetic seizure induction and anesthesia-alone sham in an animal model. The aim was to test whether differential neurophysiological characteristics of the seizures could be identified that support earlier observations that the powers of theta, alpha, and beta but not delta frequency bands were lower after MST when compared with those after ECS. In a randomized, sham-controlled trial, 24 macaca mulatte received 6 weeks of daily sessions while scalp EEG was recorded. Electroencephalogram power was quantified within delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. Magnetic seizure therapy induced lower ictal expression in the theta, alpha and beta frequencies than ECS, but MST and ECS were indistinguishable in the delta band. Magnetic seizure therapy showed less postictal suppression than ECS. Increasing electrical dosage increased ictal power, whereas increasing MST dosage had no effect on EEG expression. Magnetic seizure therapy seizures have less robust electrophysiological expression than ECS, and these differences are largest in the alpha and beta bands. The relevance of these differences in higher frequency bands to clinical outcomes deserves further exploration. Contrasting EEG in ECS and MST may lead to insights on the physiological underpinnings of seizure-induced amnesia and to finding ways to reduce cognitive side effects.

Influence of propofol dose and blood components on duration of electrical seizures in electroconvulsive therapy

Background and objectivesPropofol is commonly employed as a hypnotic agent to perform electroconvulsive therapy, but it exhibits also anticonvulsant properties. The main objective was to study the effect of the weight-adjusted dose of propofol on duration of the electrical seizure. Secondary objectives were to study the effect of absolute dose of propofol on duration of electrical seizure, the effect of both absolute and weight-adjusted doses on values of bispectral index, and the influence of blood chemistry on anticonvulsant effect. MethodsAfter approval of the Institutional Review Board, a retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent at least one electroconvulsive therapy session. Multiple lineal regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders was employed to explore the effect of propofol dosage on values of bispectral index and on duration of seizure; bivariate correlation analyses were previously performed to identify variables fulfilling confounding criteria, specifically values of Spearman's rho >0.10. Results of regression analysis were expressed as B coefficient with its 95% confident interval. Results76 patients received 631 acute phase sessions. Propofol showed a statistically significant negative effect on duration of seizure (specifically a reduction of 4.081s for every mg.kg−1 of propofol; CI95%: −7906 to −0.255, p=0.037) but not on bispectral index values. Slight anemia and hypoalbuminemia were very infrequent conditions, and the anticonvulsant effect was not influenced by these parameters. ConclusionsPropofol weight-adjusted dose is negatively related to duration of seizures. It should be carefully titrated when employed to perform electroconvulsive therapy.

Early and late postictal cardiac electrophysiological changes associated with low, moderate, and high dose electroconvulsive shocks.

Studies have examined the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on human cardiac electrophysiology. However, no study has so far examined whether these effects vary with the magnitude of the electrical dose used to elicit the seizure. Because the benefits and adverse effects of the ECT seizure are dose-dependent, we examined the effects of different electrical doses of electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) on cardiac electrophysiology in an animal model with a view to determine whether cardiac electrophysiology could be a useful proxy to evaluate the quality of the ECT seizure. Adult female Wistar rats (n = 20/group) received sham, low dose (10 mC), moderate dose (18 mC), or high dose (25 mC) ECS. The electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded and was analyzed for time and frequency domain variables in 30 s epochs in preictal (30 s before ECS), early postictal (starting 15 s after stimulation) and late postictal (5 h after ECS) periods. ECS was associated with substantial changes in most time and frequency domain measures during the early postictal period; a strong parasympathetic effect was observed. However, the effects of different ECS doses did not differ for any variable. All changes returned to levels that were similar to those of the sham controls in the late postictal period. The effect of ECS on time and frequency domain cardiac electrophysiological measures was not dose-dependent. This suggests that if higher electrical doses are associated with stronger central seizures, ECG-derived variables may not be useful proxies for the quality of the central seizure. The generalization of this conclusion from animal to clinical contexts requires study.

Effects of electrical stimulus composition on cardiac electrophysiology in a rodent model of electroconvulsive therapy.

Background:No electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) study on humans or in animal models has so far examined whether differently composed electrical stimuli exert different cardiac electrophysiological effects at constant electrical dose. The subject is important because cardiac electrophysiological changes may provide indirect information about ECT seizure quality as modulated by stimulus composition.Materials and Methods:Adult female Wistar rats (n = 20/group) received fixed, moderately suprathreshold (18 mC) electrical stimuli. This stimulus in each of eight groups was formed by varying pulse amplitude, pulse width, pulse frequency, and stimulus duration. The electrocardiogram was recorded, and time and frequency domain variables were examined in 30 s epochs in preictal (30 s before electroconvulsive shock [ECS]), early postictal (starting 15 s after stimulation), and late postictal (5 h after ECS) periods. Alpha for statistical significance was set at P < 0.01 to adjust for multiple hypothesis testing.Results:Cardiac electrophysiological indices in the eight groups did not differ significantly at baseline. At both early and late postictal time points, almost no analysis yielded statistically significant differences between groups for four time domain variables, including heart rate and standard deviation of R-R intervals, and for six frequency domain variables, including low-frequency power, high-frequency power, and total power.Conclusions:Cardiac electrophysiological measures may not be helpful to identify differences in seizure quality that are driven by differences in the composition of electrical stimuli at constant, moderately suprathreshold electrical dose. The generalization of this conclusion to threshold electrical doses and to human contexts requires a study.