Clinical Neuroscience of ECT (CNECT)

Out on PubMed, from investigators in Japan, is this study: Effect of Remifentanil on the Tpeak-Tend Interval During Electroconvulsive Therapy. Eda K, Akutsu K, Takasusuki T, Yamaguchi S. Adv Ther. 2023 Nov 1. doi: 10.1007/s12325-023-02713-9. Online ahead of print. PMID:  37910266 The abstract is copied below: Introduction: QT interval dispersion, which reflects the regional heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization, increases during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Tpeak-Tend (TpTe) is considered a new marker of the transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization (TDR). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of remifentanil on TpTe during ECT. Methods: Forty-two patients who were scheduled to undergo ECT with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II randomly received 0.1 μg/kg remifentanil (group R: n = 21) or saline (group C: n = 21). After the induction of general anesthesia, we measured the TpTe, TpTe/QT, TpTe/QTc, TpTe/RR, TpTe/√RR and TpTe/3√RR every mi

 "Classics in ECT" brings you this study from the American Heart Journal, from 1950: An electro cardiographic study of psychiatry patients before and after electroshock therapy. PLICE SG, PFISTER CW. Am Heart J. 1950 Aug;40(2):252-9. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(50)90169-4. PMID:  15432286 The pdf is here . And from the text: Here's a classic paper looking at EKG changes before and after ECT, from 1950, when presumably, the ECT was unmodified. It is of note mainly as an indicator of research interest in establishing the cardiac risk/benefit profile of ECT.  The non-alarmist attitude of the cardiologist consultant authors is clear. The hand-written case notes and crude EKG recordings are classic. A full read, ~ 10 minutes, is recommended for all history of ECT buffs.