Influence of acute haemodynamic changes on the oxygen saturation during electro-convulsive therapy

Background: Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for various psychiatric disorders. Among the various complications associated with ECT, acute haemodynamic responses and decrease in the oxygen saturation are the most common. The current study is designed to evaluate the relationship between the haemodynamic response and oxygen de-saturation occurring during ECT. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing modified ECT for their psychiatric illness over a one-year period were prospectively included in this observational study. The following parameters were collected from each patient: Age, body mass index (BMI), doses of thiopentone and suxamethonium, stimulus current, ECT session number, pre-and post-ECT heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure, seizure duration and pre- and post-ECT oxygen saturation. Results: The incidence of oxygen de-saturation was 27% (139/507 sessions). The change in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure caused by ECT and the BMI of the patient were independently predictive of the change in the oxygen saturation. Conclusions: The current study identified ECT-induced acute haemodynamic changes as independent predictors of severity of oxygen de-saturation.