Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indicated in a myriad of pediatric psychiatric conditions in children, and its use is increasing. Literature on the clinical features salient to anesthetic care is lacking. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the available literature on the anesthetic considerations of pediatric ECT. Original publications were screened for inclusion criteria: (1) manuscript written in English; (2) persons under 18 years of age; and (3) use of ECT. Data tabulation included demographic information, details of anesthetic management and ECT procedure, and adverse events. The mean age was 15 years, 90% were 12-17 years of age, and no cases involving children <6 years of age were identified. The psychiatric diagnoses most commonly represented were major depressive disorder (n = 185) and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders (n = 187). ECT was also used to treat many neurological disorders. Medical comorbidities were reported in 16% of all cases. Common coexisting conditions included developmental delay (n = 21) and autism (n = 18). Primary ECT indications included severe psychosis (n = 190), symptoms refractory to pharmacotherapy (n = 154), and suicidality (n = 153). ECT courses per patient ranged from 2 to 156. Duration averaged 91.89 ± 144.3 seconds. The most commonly reported induction agents were propofol and methohexital, and the most commonly reported paralytic agent was succinylcholine. Reported adverse events included headache, nausea, sedation, and short-term amnesia, as well as rare cases of benign dysrhythmias and prolonged seizure. Negative perception and diminished access to care result in treatment delays; thus, these children present in an advanced state of disease. In examining the details of modern ECT performed in 592 children, no major anesthetic morbidity was identified. Further study should start with retrospective analysis of anesthesia data during ECT to compare various effects of anesthesia medications and technique on adverse events and outcomes.
