بررسي اثر نالوكسان بر طول مدت تشنج ناشي از الكتروشوك درماني

Effect of naloxone on seizure duration after electroshock therapy (ECT)

ECT is a process in which a generalized seizure is induced by passing electrical current for 25 to 150 seconds through the brain under general anesthesia. It is a highly effective treatment for major depression, mania and schizophrenia. Seizure is terminated by active inhibitory processes. The inhibition of seizure is due to the production of endogenous opioids. Naloxone, as an opioid antagonist, may lessen the effect of endogenous opioids. This clinical trial study was conducted to determine the effect of naloxone on length of the seizure. -Sixty patients (30 male and 30 female), who met the diagnostic criteria were included in this study. The control group comprised of 30 patients, received ECT without naloxone, and the experimental group comprised of 30 patients, received ECT and 2 mg naloxone (i.v.). Duration of seizure was compared between two groups by t-test. The mean of seizure length was 21.3s in the control and 27.8s in the experimental group. Therefore naloxone can be used for lengthening of seizure and consequently for improving its treatment benefit.