Publication
Title
Clinical predictors of seizure threshold in electroconvulsive therapy : a prospective study
Author
Abstract
At the start and during the course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), estimation of the seizure threshold (ST) is useful in weighing the expected effectiveness against the risks of side effects. Therefore, this study explores clinical factors predicting initial ST (IST) and levels of ST during the ECT course. This prospective observational study included patients aged a parts per thousand yen18 years receiving ECT without contraindications for dose titration. At the first and every sixth consecutive ECT session, ST level was measured. Using multivariate linear regression and multilevel models, predictors for IST and change in ST levels were examined. A total of 91 patients (mean age, 59.1 +/- A 15.0 years; 37 % male; 97 % diagnosis of depression) were included. In multivariable analysis, higher age (beta = 0.24; P = 0.03) and bifrontotemporal (BL) electrode placement (beta = 0.42; P < 0.001) were independent predictors for higher IST, explaining 49 % of its variation. Also, these two variables independently predicted higher ST levels at different time points during the course. Using multilevel models, absence of a previous ECT course(s) predicted a steeper rise in ST during the course (P = 0.03 for the interaction term time*previous ECT). The age-adjusted dose-titration method is somewhat crude, resulting in some measurement error. Concomitant medication use could have influenced ST levels. Increasing age and BL electrode placement predicted higher (I)ST, which should be taken into account when selecting ECT dosage. Previous ECT course(s) may avoid an increase in ST during the course of ECT.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience. - Berlin
Publication
Berlin : 2013
ISSN
0940-1334
DOI
10.1007/S00406-012-0342-7
Volume/pages
263 :2 (2013) , p. 167-175
ISI
000315574100010
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 17.11.2016
Last edited 01.02.2023
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