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Mutoh S, Kinoshita M, Maeda Y, Tanaka K. Ketamine as an Alternative Anesthetic for Augmenting Seizure Durations During Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Retrospective Observational Study. J ECT 2024; 40:134-139. [PMID: 38109337 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly effective for severe psychiatric disorders; however, short seizure durations may lead to ineffective therapy. This retrospective study aimed to examine the risks and benefits of switching to ketamine anesthesia to augment seizure durations during an acute course of ECT. METHODS We included 33 patients who underwent ketamine anesthesia due to suboptimal seizures during an acute course of ECT. We assessed seizure duration, stimulus dose, hemodynamic variability, and postseizure complications before and after switching to ketamine. RESULTS Age was significantly associated with suboptimal seizures during ECT ( P = 0.040). After switching to ketamine, 32 patients (97%) experienced prolonged seizure duration. Ketamine significantly prolonged both electroencephalogram and motor seizure durations with a mean difference of 34.6 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.4-42.7 seconds; P < 0.001) and 26.6 seconds (95% CI, 19.6-33.6 seconds; P < 0.001), respectively. It also significantly reduced stimulus dose (mean difference, -209.5 mC [95% CI, -244.9 to -174.1 mC]; P < 0.001). In addition, maximum changes in systolic blood pressure and heart rate during ECT sessions significantly increased with ketamine (mean difference, 27.2 mm Hg [95% CI, 12.0-42.4 mm Hg; P = 0.001]; 25.7 beats per minute [95% CI, 14.5-36.8 beats per minute; P < 0.001], respectively). Patients reported more headaches with ketamine ( P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence that ketamine as an alternative anesthetic can augment seizure durations in specific patients experiencing suboptimal seizures during an acute course of ECT. However, its use requires greater attention to circulatory management and postseizure complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarara Mutoh
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima, Japan
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Chen X, Zhou R, Lan L, Zhu L, Chen C, Zhang X, Han J, Xia L. Comparison of Effects of Propofol Combined with Different Doses of Esketamine for ECT in the Treatment of Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:1107-1115. [PMID: 38774255 PMCID: PMC11108059 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s463028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a significant effect on treatment-resistant MDD. Esketamine may have potential advantages in improving the efficacy of ECT, and the strong affinity of this compound for NMDAR renders it a viable therapeutic option for the management of depression. This study aims to compare the effects of different doses of esketamine combined with propofol anesthesia versus propofol anesthesia alone in ECT, aiming to provide further insights for optimizing ECT and enhancing comprehensive treatment outcomes for depression. Study Design and Methods This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial involving subjects and evaluators. One hundred eleven patients scheduled for ECT were randomly assigned to three groups. In Group P, propofol at 1mg/kg was administered intravenously. In Group P+E, propofol at a dosage of 0.5mg/kg and esketamine at a dosage of 0.5mg/kg was administered intravenously. Patients in Group P+SE received propofol at a dosage of 0.75mg/kg and esketamine at a dosage of 0.25mg/kg. The same anesthesia protocol was used for the same patient until the end of the last treatment. The primary outcome measures were the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and the Digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, readmission rate, hemodynamic status, recovery, and adverse events. Discussion This study aimed to compare the effects of propofol combined with different doses of esketamine for ECT. The results may provide a better choice for ECT anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemeng Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, People’s Republic of China
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Lan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianjie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Leqiang Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Liu Y, Yang J, Liu Y. Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy for severe depression: A network meta-analysis of efficacy and safety. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 175:218-226. [PMID: 38744161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and their combination are effective for treating severe depression, but few large-scale studies have compared these. METHODS We searched databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using ketamine, ECT, ketamine + ECT, or placebo for severe depression. Standardized measures were efficacy outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed. Stata and ADDIS were used for network meta-analysis (NMA) comparing efficacy and adverse reactions post-treatment. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023476740). RESULTS 17 RCTs with 1370 patients were included. NMA showed ECT and ketamine improved Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) versus placebo; other comparisons not significant. Rank probabilities showed highest probability for ECT, followed by ketamine + ECT, ketamine, placebo. No differences in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); highest rank probability again for ECT, followed by ketamine + ECT, ketamine, placebo. CONCLUSIONS Analysis suggests ECT superior to ketamine and their combination for improving depressive severity, but individualized treatment selection warranted. Higher adverse reactions with ketamine + ECT need further study for optimized combined use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yecun Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiguo Yang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
| | - Yuanxiang Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
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Havlik JL, Wahid S, Teopiz KM, McIntyre RS, Krystal JH, Rhee TG. Recent Advances in the Treatment of Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Narrative Review of Literature Published from 2018 to 2023. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:176-213. [PMID: 38386251 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01494-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent advances in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a disorder with very limited treatment options until recently. We examine advances in psychotherapeutic, psychopharmacologic, and interventional psychiatry approaches to treatment of TRD. We also highlight various definitions of TRD in recent scientific literature. RECENT FINDINGS Recent evidence suggests some forms of psychotherapy can be effective as adjunctive treatments for TRD, but not as monotherapies alone. Little recent evidence supports the use of adjunctive non-antidepressant pharmacotherapies such as buprenorphine and antipsychotics for the treatment of TRD; side effects and increased medication discontinuation rates may outweigh the benefits of these adjunctive pharmacotherapies. Finally, a wealth of recent evidence supports the use of interventional approaches such as electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine/esketamine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation for TRD. Recent advances in our understanding of how to treat TRD have largely expanded our knowledge of best practices in, and efficacy of, interventional psychiatric approaches. Recent research has used a variety of TRD definitions for study inclusion criteria; research on TRD should adhere to inclusion criteria based on internationally defined guidelines for more meaningfully generalizable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Havlik
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Syed Wahid
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kayla M Teopiz
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA.
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Rhee TG, Shim SR, Popp JH, Trikalinos TA, Rosenheck RA, Kellner CH, Seiner SJ, Espinoza RT, Forester BP, McIntyre RS. Efficacy and safety of ketamine-assisted electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive episode: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:750-759. [PMID: 38123725 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02366-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To meta-analyze clinical efficacy and safety of ketamine compared with other anesthetic agents in the course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in major depressive episode (MDE). METHODS PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, GoogleScholar, and US and European trial registries were searched from inception through May 23, 2023, with no language limits. We included RCTs with (1) a diagnosis of MDE; (2) ECT intervention with ketamine and/or other anesthetic agents; and (3) measures included: depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, remission or response rates, and serious adverse events. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to compare ketamine and 7 other anesthetic agents. Hedges' g standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used for continuous measures, and relative risks (RRs) were used for other binary outcomes using random-effects models. RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review. A total of 2322 patients from 17 RCTs were included in the NMA. The overall pooled SMD of ketamine, as compared with propofol as a reference group, was -2.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.79 to -0.64) in depressive symptoms, indicating that ketamine had better antidepressant efficacy than propofol. In a sensitivity analysis, however, ketamine-treated patients had a worse outcome in cognitive performance than propofol-treated patients (SMD, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.28 to -0.09). No other statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine-assisted ECT is tolerable and may be efficacious in improving depressive symptoms, but a relative adverse impact on cognition may be an important clinical consideration. Anesthetic agents should be considered based on patient profiles and/or preferences to improve effectiveness and safety of ECT use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- VA New England Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Sung Ryul Shim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonah H Popp
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Thomas A Trikalinos
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robert A Rosenheck
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA New England Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Charles H Kellner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephen J Seiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Randall T Espinoza
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brent P Forester
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ren L, Yu J, Zeng J, Wei K, Li P, Luo J, Shen Y, Lv F, Min S. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of different anesthetics in electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:116-125. [PMID: 38271762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for major depressive disorder. Modern ECT is conducted with anesthesia, however, the optimal anesthetic agent for ECT is yet to be understood. This study is aimed to compare the effects of different anesthetic agents on antidepressant efficacy and tolerability in depressed individuals undergoing ECT. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the CENTRAL and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials from database inception until Nov 13, 2022 (PROSPERO: CRD42022375407). Global and local inconsistencies, heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Rankings were calculated with the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. A total of 33 studies involving 1898 patients were enrolled. Remission rates were higher for ketamine anesthesia as compared to adjunctive ketamine and propofol. In terms of ranking, ketamine was found to be first in terms of response/remission rates and depressive scores after the 1st, 3rd and 6th ECT and at the end of ECT session, while a higher incidence of adverse events was also observed. No significant advantage of any anesthetic was revealed for the cognitive function after ECT. In summary, based on current evidence, no specific anesthetic is recommended for ECT anesthesia. However, despite more side effects, ketamine monoanesthesia seems to reveal a potential benefit in improving antidepressant efficacy of ECT, and further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between anesthetic agents and the therapeutic effect of ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Anesthesia and Brain Research Institute, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiwei Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Su Min
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Rhee TG, Shim SR, Popp J, Trikalinos T, Rosenheck R, Kellner C, Seiner S, Espinoza R, Forester B, McIntyre R. Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine-assisted Electroconvulsive Therapy in Major Depressive Episode: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3182771. [PMID: 37609159 PMCID: PMC10441463 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3182771/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective To meta-analyze clinical efficacy and safety of ketamine compared with other anesthetic agents in the course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in major depressive episode (MDE). Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, GoogleScholar, and US and European trial registries were searched from inception through May 23, 2023, with no language limits. We included RCTs with (1) a diagnosis of MDE; (2) ECT intervention with ketamine and/or other anesthetic agents; and (3) measures included: depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, remission or response rates, and serious adverse events. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to compare ketamine and 7 other anesthetic agents. Hedges' g standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used for continuous measures, and relative risks (RRs) were used for other binary outcomes using random-effects models. Results Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review. A total of 2,322 patients from 17 RCTs were included in the NMA. The overall pooled SMD of ketamine, as compared with a propofol reference group, was -2.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.79 to -0.64) in depressive symptoms, indicating that ketamine had better antidepressant efficacy than propofol. In a sensitivity analysis, however, ketamine-treated patients had a worse outcome in cognitive performance than propofol-treated patients (SMD, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.28 to -0.09). No other statistically significant differences were found. Conclusions Ketamine-assisted ECT is tolerable and may be efficacious in improving depressive symptoms, but a relative adverse impact on cognition may be an important clinical consideration. Anesthetic agents should be considered based on patient profiles and/or preferences to improve effectiveness and safety of ECT use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Randall Espinoza
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California
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Bahji A, Zarate CA, Vazquez GH. Efficacy and safety of racemic ketamine and esketamine for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:853-866. [PMID: 35231204 PMCID: PMC9949988 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2047928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racemic ketamine and esketamine have demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects. We aimed to review the efficacy and safety of racemic and esketamine for depression. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a PRISMA-guided review for relevant randomized controlled trials of racemic or esketamine for unipolar or bipolar major depression from database inception through 2021. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses using pooled rate ratios (RRs) and Cohen's standardized mean differences (d) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS We found 36 studies (2903 participants, 57% female, 45.1 +/- 7.0 years). Nine trials used esketamine, while the rest used racemic ketamine. The overall study quality was high. Treatment with any form of ketamine was associated with improved response (RR=2.14; 95% CI, 1.72-2.66; I2=65%), remission (RR=1.64; 95% CI, 1.33-2.02; I2=39%), and depression severity (d=-0.63; 95% CI, -0.80 to -0.45; I2=78%) against placebo. Overall, there was no association between treatment with any form of ketamine and retention in treatment (RR=1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.01; I2<1%), dropouts due to adverse events (RR=1.56; 95% CI, 1.00-2.45; I2<1%), or the overall number of adverse events reported per participant (OR=2.14; 95% CI, 0.82-5.60; I2=62%) against placebo. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine and esketamine are effective, safe, and acceptable treatments for individuals living with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Bahji
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada;,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gustavo H. Vazquez
- Department of Psychiatry, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Walsh Z, Mollaahmetoglu OM, Rootman J, Golsof S, Keeler J, Marsh B, Nutt DJ, Morgan CJA. Ketamine for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders: comprehensive systematic review. BJPsych Open 2021; 8:e19. [PMID: 35048815 PMCID: PMC8715255 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past two decades, subanaesthetic doses of ketamine have been demonstrated to have rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, and accumulating research has demonstrated ketamine's therapeutic effects for a range of psychiatric conditions. AIMS In light of these findings surrounding ketamine's psychotherapeutic potential, we systematically review the extant evidence on ketamine's effects in treating mental health disorders. METHOD The systematic review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (identifier CRD42019130636). Human studies investigating the therapeutic effects of ketamine in the treatment of mental health disorders were included. Because of the extensive research in depression, bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation, only systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. We searched Medline and PsycINFO on 21 October 2020. Risk-of-bias analysis was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) Checklist. RESULTS We included 83 published reports in the final review: 33 systematic reviews, 29 randomised controlled trials, two randomised trials without placebo, three non-randomised trials with controls, six open-label trials and ten retrospective reviews. The results were presented via narrative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide support for robust, rapid and transient antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects of ketamine. Evidence for other indications is less robust, but suggests similarly positive and short-lived effects. The conclusions should be interpreted with caution because of the high risk of bias of included studies. Optimal dosing, modes of administration and the most effective forms of adjunctive psychotherapeutic support should be examined further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Joseph Rootman
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shannon Golsof
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Johanna Keeler
- Eating Disorders Research Group, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Beth Marsh
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, UK; and Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Drug Science, UK; and Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Celia J A Morgan
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, UK
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The antidepressant effect of subanesthetic doses of ketamine was recognized 20 years ago. This review briefly summarizes the current understanding of the antidepressant mechanisms and the available clinical research on the use of racemic ketamine and enantiomer esketamine for depression. RECENT FINDINGS The antidepressant effect of subanesthetic doses of ketamine is currently considered to be predominantly mediated by improved neuroplasticity in cortico-limbic areas in the brain. Single dose of 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine infused intravenously over 40 min, or single intranasal dose of esketamine cause rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects within hours of administration, and the antidepressant effect may last up to a week. Repeated administration of nasal spray esketamine is considered to prevent relapse of depression. Longitudinal studies are currently insufficient. When used in various doses for anesthetic induction for electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine improves seizure quality and may possibly diminish posttherapy cognitive impairment. SUMMARY A rapid onset antidepressive effect of ketamine and esketamine has been proven conclusively. The results of extensive basic science research of the mechanism of action of low-dose ketamine doses has led to an alternative hypothesis of the pathophysiology of depression and the development of a novel neurotrophic concept of depression. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the safety and efficacy of repeated administration of ketamine and its analogs to prevent relapse and recurrence of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rozet
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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12
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Wang YT, Wang XL, Feng ST, Chen NH, Wang ZZ, Zhang Y. Novel rapid-acting glutamatergic modulators: Targeting the synaptic plasticity in depression. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105761. [PMID: 34242798 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is severely prevalent, and conventional monoaminergic antidepressants gradually exhibit low therapeutic efficiency, especially for patients with treatment-resistant depression. A neuroplasticity hypothesis is an emerging advancement in the mechanism of depression, mainly expressed in the glutamate system, e.g., glutamate receptors and signaling. Dysfunctional glutamatergic neurotransmission is currently considered to be closely associated with the pathophysiology of MDD. Biological function, pharmacological action, and signal attributes in the glutamate system both regulate the neural process. Specific functional subunits could be therapeutic targets to explore the novel glutamatergic modulators, which have fast-acting, and relatively sustained antidepressant effects. Here, the present review summarizes the pathophysiology of MDD found in the glutamate system, exploring the role of glutamate receptors and their downstream effects. These convergent mechanisms have prompted the development of other modulators targeting on glutamate system, including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists, selective GluN2B-specific antagonists, glycine binding site agents, and regulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Relevant researches underly the putative mechanisms of these drugs, which reverse the damage of depression by regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission. It also provides further insight into the mechanism of depression and exploring potential targets for novel agent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiao-Le Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Si-Tong Feng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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Woolsey AJ, Nanji JA, Moreau C, Sivapalan S, Bourque SL, Ceccherini-Nelli A, Gragasin FS. Low-dose ketamine does not improve the speed of recovery from depression in electroconvulsive therapy: a randomized controlled trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 44:6-14. [PMID: 34076068 PMCID: PMC8827368 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established therapeutic intervention for major depressive disorder. Recent literature has shown that the anesthetic agent ketamine has some antidepressant properties at low doses and may be an alternative therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. We hypothesized that the use of low-dose ketamine as an anesthetic adjunct in ECT would more rapidly improve depression while maintaining hemodynamic stability than ECT with propofol alone. METHODS Institutional ethics approval was obtained, and the use of ketamine in this study was approved by Health Canada. This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that involved ketamine administration at 0.5 mg/kg IV in addition to propofol anesthesia for ECT. The primary outcome was the number of ECT treatments required to achieve a 50% reduction in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Secondary outcomes included the number of ECT treatments required to achieve a 25% reduction in MADRS score, as well as any differences in the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity, hemodynamic variables, and seizure duration. Adverse events were recorded for safety assessment. RESULTS A total of 45 patients completed the study. No difference was found between groups with respect to the primary or secondary outcomes. The ketamine group showed a trend towards a decreased dose of propofol required to achieve adequate anesthesia. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION Low-dose ketamine does not improve psychiatric outcomes in the setting of propofol-based anesthesia for ECT. Specifically, ketamine did not reduce the number of ECT sessions necessary to achieve a 50 or 25% reduction in MADRS scores. Reassuringly, the fact that no differences in hemodynamic variables or unexpected adverse events occurred suggests that low-dose ketamine may be safely used in this setting should clinical indications warrant its use. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02579642.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna J Woolsey
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jalal A Nanji
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chantal Moreau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sudhakar Sivapalan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephane L Bourque
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Ferrante S Gragasin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Gonçalves CL, Abelaira HM, Rosa T, de Moura AB, Veron DC, Borba LA, Botelho MEM, Goldim MP, Garbossa L, Fileti ME, Petronilho F, Ignácio ZM, Quevedo J, Réus GZ. Ketamine treatment protects against oxidative damage and the immunological response induced by electroconvulsive therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:525-535. [PMID: 33393059 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often recommended for major depressive disorder (MDD) for those who do not respond to the first and second antidepressant trials. A combination of two therapies could improve antidepressant efficacy. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of ECT combined to antidepressants with a different mechanism of action. METHODS Rats were treated once a day, for five days with ketamine (5 mg/kg), fluoxetine (1 mg/kg), and bupropion (4 mg/kg) alone or in combination with ECT (1 mA; 100 V). After, oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity were assessed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were evaluated in the serum. RESULTS ECT alone increased lipid peroxidation in the PFC and hippocampus. In the PFC of rats treated with ECT in combination with fluoxetine and bupropion, and in the hippocampus of rats treated with ECT combined with ketamine and bupropion there was a reduction in the lipid peroxidation. The nitrite/nitrate was increased by ECT alone but reverted by combination with ketamine in the hippocampus. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased by ECT and maintained by fluoxetine and bupropion in the PFC. ECT alone increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the administration of ketamine was able to revert this increase showing a neuroprotective effect of this drug when in combination with ECT. CONCLUSION The treatment with ECT leads to an increase in oxidative damage and alters the immunological system. The combination with ketamine was able to protect against oxidative damage and the immunological response induced by ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinara Ludvig Gonçalves
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Helena Mendes Abelaira
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Thayse Rosa
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Airam Barbosa de Moura
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Deise Cristina Veron
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Laura Araújo Borba
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Mendes Botelho
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Pereira Goldim
- Neurobiology of Metabolic and Inflammatory Processes Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
| | - Leandro Garbossa
- Neurobiology of Metabolic and Inflammatory Processes Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Fileti
- Neurobiology of Metabolic and Inflammatory Processes Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
| | - Fabricia Petronilho
- Neurobiology of Metabolic and Inflammatory Processes Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
| | - Zuleide Maria Ignácio
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil.,Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Campus Chapecó, Federal University of South Frontier (UFFS), Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil.,State Secretary for Justice and Citizenship of Santa Catarina, Chapecó, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center of Excellence On Mood Disorders, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gislaine Zilli Réus
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil.
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15
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Soehle M, Bochem J, Kayser S, Weyerhäuser J, Valero R. Challenges and pitfalls in anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2020; 35:181-189. [PMID: 34030803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) refers to the application of electricity to the patients' scalp to treat psychiatric disorders, most notably, treatment-resistant depression. It is a safe, effective, and evidence-based therapy that is performed with general anesthesia. Muscle relaxation is used to prevent injuries related to the tonic-clonic seizure caused by ECT. Hypnotics are administered to induce amnesia and unconsciousness, so that, patients do not experience the period of muscle relaxation, while the generalized seizure is left unnoticed. For the anesthesiologist, ECT is associated with the challenges and pitfalls that are related to informed consent, social acceptance of ECT, airway management (especially in COVID-19 patients), and the interaction between ventilation and anesthetics from one viewpoint, and seizure induction and maintenance from another. The exact mode of action of the therapy is as unknown as the optimal choice or combination of anesthetics used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Soehle
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Janina Bochem
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Rheinhessen-Fachklinik, Alzey, Germany
| | - Jan Weyerhäuser
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Rheinhessen-Fachklinik, Alzey, Germany
| | - Ricard Valero
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM. University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder with major implications for healthcare system and socioeconomic burden. For chronic and treatment-resistant depression, Ketamine has emerged as a possible treatment option. This systematic review explores the evidence for the effectiveness and tolerability of Ketamine in patients with MDD. This systematic review was conducted following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. Eight electronic databases were searched by using search terms: (ketamine) AND (trial OR RCT OR clinical-trial) AND (depressive OR depression OR "depressive-disorder"). After a rigorous screening process against the predetermined eligibility criteria, 35 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Quality assessment of included studies was done by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. Thirty-five RCTs are included in this review article with majority of studies from United States, Iran, and China. Intravenous (IV) Ketamine was effective in 70% (21/30) of the included studies whereas oral and Intranasal (IN) Ketamine were effective in two and three studies, respectively. The majority of studies (6/8) using Ketamine as anesthetic agent during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) failed to show an improvement compared to the participants receiving ECT and placebo. The most common reported side effects were nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diplopia, drowsiness, dysphoria, hallucinations, and confusion. Ketamine is an effective treatment option for patients with MDD with undesirable effects when administered via oral, IV and IN routes. Ketamine agumentation of ECT requires further exploration in well-designed studies with adequate sample size. The short-lived antidepressant effect of Ketamine is a potential limitation, therefore, further studies administering multiple infusions for acute treatment and maintenance are necessary.
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17
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Effects of Ketamine Anesthesia on Efficacy, Tolerability, Seizure Response, and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis of Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trials. J ECT 2020; 36:94-105. [PMID: 31725054 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective treatment for major depressive disorder. Ketamine is an anesthetic gaining attention for its rapid antidepressant effect. Numerous randomized controlled trials have investigated the effect of ketamine anesthesia in ECT on various clinical outcomes. Previous systematic reviews have not found benefit for overall depression response, although some have found evidence of benefit early in the ECT course. Clear quantitative conclusions have not been established regarding other outcomes, particularly while only using data from high-quality studies. We aimed to examine all data from double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing ketamine to other anesthetics via meta-analysis, to make recommendations regarding ECT practice and future research. Data were extracted for depressive symptoms, seizure duration and electrical dose, neuropsychological performance, and adverse effects. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedge's g and odds ratios. Eighteen studies (n = 915) were included in the meta-analysis. Ketamine was not found to enhance improvement of depressive symptoms, either early in ECT course or at end of study. Ketamine had a large effect on increasing seizure duration both overall (Hedge's g = 0.71, P = 0.038) and in the subgroup receiving ketamine in combination with another anesthetic (Hedge's g = 0.78, P < 0.01), and on decreasing electrical dose (Hedge's g = 1.98, P = 0.039). There was no significant effect of ketamine on any individual neuropsychological domain. Ketamine was not associated with increased adverse effects, except for hypertension in patients receiving ketamine monotherapy. Significant heterogeneity was present for many outcomes, and sensitivity analyses suggested a relation to methodological variation in most cases. This study supports the finding that ketamine does not enhance ECT's antidepressant effect, including on early improvement, but provides substantial evidence for enhancing seizure duration and reducing electrical dose. No significant benefit was found on neurocognitive outcomes, but analysis was limited by small sample sizes and high heterogeneity. Ketamine is generally safe in ECT, particularly as a coanesthetic. Our findings provide meta-analytic support to the recommendations in ECT clinical guidelines for use of coadjuvant ketamine in ECT where seizures are suboptimal. Further studies targeting neurocognitive outcomes are encouraged.
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18
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Kalmoe MC, Janski AM, Zorumski CF, Nagele P, Palanca BJ, Conway CR. Ketamine and nitrous oxide: The evolution of NMDA receptor antagonists as antidepressant agents. J Neurol Sci 2020; 412:116778. [PMID: 32240970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists, including ketamine and nitrous oxide, are currently intensely studied as rapid-acting antidepressant agents. Interestingly, both of these compounds are also drugs of abuse. Intravenous ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that induces complex downstream effects via NMDARs, rapidly reduces depressive and suicidal symptoms in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), as demonstrated by several trials. Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an intranasal version of ketamine (esketamine) for TRD. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) lists ketamine as a Class III scheduled drug (moderate-low potential for physical and psychological abuse). The FDA has established a Risk Evaluation and Management Strategy (REMS) program to ensure proper drug storage, handling, dispensing, and monitoring intranasal esketamine to minimize misuse/abuse opportunities. Nitrous Oxide is a colorless, odorless, gas that has been in medical use for over 150 years. The mechanisms of action of nitrous oxide are not fully understood; however, it is known to act as a non-competitive inhibitor of NMDA-type glutamate receptors. Currently, nitrous oxide is used for inhalational general anesthesia and analgesia for short procedures. Inhaled nitrous oxide is also used recreationally, primarily by teens and young adults, but is not believed to have strong addiction potential. In contrast to ketamine, nitrous oxide is not a controlled substance and can be legally purchased without a prescription. A recent double-blind, prospective, cross-over study demonstrated that nitrous oxide reduced depressive symptoms in a group of severely ill TRD patients. Though this is a promising initial study, further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C Kalmoe
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Alvin M Janski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Peter Nagele
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ben J Palanca
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Charles R Conway
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America.
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19
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Dong J, Min S, Qiu H, Chen Q, Ren L. Intermittent administration of low dose ketamine can shorten the course of electroconvulsive therapy for depression and reduce complications: A randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Res 2019; 281:112573. [PMID: 31586838 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of intermittent low-dose ketamine on improving the efficacy of ECT. Patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (n = 134) were randomized into 3 groups: routine ECT group (group E, n = 45); repeated ketamine-assisted ECT group (group RK, n = 43), and intermittent ketamine-assisted ECT group (group IK, n = 46). Patients in group RK were given ketamine at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg for each ECT treatment, patients in group IK were given ketamine once a week during ECT course. The depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at baseline, the end of ECT course, after 1 and 3 months, followed by an analysis of the psychiatric complications. Results indicated that ketamine-assisted ECT achieved a higher remission rate (P < 0.05), and no difference was observed between repeated and intermittent ketamine administrations. The total incidence rate of psychiatric complications in group RK (20.93%) was higher than that in group E (0%) and group IK (4.35%). In conclusion, intermittent administration of low dose ketamine in ECT significantly improved the effects of ECT and decreased psychiatric complications compared with repeated ketamine addition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Dong
- The Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Su Min
- The Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Haitang Qiu
- The Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qibing Chen
- The Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Ren
- The Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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20
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Corriger A, Pickering G. Ketamine and depression: a narrative review. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:3051-3067. [PMID: 31695324 PMCID: PMC6717708 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s221437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the third leading cause of disability in the world. Depressive symptoms may be reduced within several weeks after the start of conventional antidepressants, but treatment resistance concerns one-third of patients who fail to achieve recovery. Over the last 20 years, ketamine, an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, has been described to have antidepressant properties. A literature review was conducted through an exhaustive electronic search. It was restricted to Cochrane reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ketamine for major depressive disorder and/or bipolar disorder. This review included two Cochrane reviews, 14 meta-analyses and 15 trials. Ketamine was studied versus placebo, versus other comparators and as an anesthetic adjuvant before electroconvulsive therapy. In 14 publications, ketamine provided a rapid antidepressant effect with a maximum efficacy reached at 24 hrs. Its effect lasted for 1–2 weeks after infusion, but a longer-term effect is little reported. Ketamine does not seem to improve depressive symptoms at the end of electroconvulsive sessions. Safety and tolerability profiles with ketamine at low single dose are generally good in depressed patients. However, there is a lack of data concerning ketamine with repeated administration at higher doses. The clinical use of ketamine is increasing. Intranasal (S)-ketamine has recently been approved for depression by the Food and Drug Administration. It could be a promising treatment in depressed patients with suicidal ideation. Collectively, the level of proof of efficacy remains low and more RCTs are needed to explore efficacy and safety issues of ketamine in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandrine Corriger
- Neuro-Dol Laboratory Inserm 1107, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Clinical Pharmacology Department CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Gisèle Pickering
- Neuro-Dol Laboratory Inserm 1107, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Clinical Pharmacology Department CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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21
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Jagtiani A, Khurana H, Malhotra N. Comparison of efficacy of ketamine versus thiopentone-assisted modified electroconvulsive therapy in major depression. Indian J Psychiatry 2019; 61:258-264. [PMID: 31142903 PMCID: PMC6532456 DOI: 10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_386_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well known that depression improves faster with electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) than with antidepressant medications. N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor antagonists (ketamine) have been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects when given as an intravenous infusion. Faster recovery with ECT is likely when used with ketamine as anesthetic. AIM The aim of the study is to compare the outcome of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) in major depressive disorder patients undergoing MECT with ketamine versus thiopentone anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty hospitalized patients (age: 18-45 years) with major depressive disorder (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV Text Revision) were randomly allocated to either of the two MECT groups (30 patients each) receiving ketamine or thiopentone as anesthetic agent. The participants were assessed on a weekly basis on Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS Ketamine group required significantly lesser number of MECT sessions for achieving remission and had rapid improvement in HAM-D and BDI scores compared to the thiopentone group. Furthermore, the stimulus intensity required to elicit seizures was significantly less and seizure duration was longer in ketamine group compared to the thiopentone group. CONCLUSION The use of ketamine for anesthesia led to rapid recovery from depressive symptoms and seems to be a better option for depressive patients, especially when a rapid response is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Jagtiani
- Psychiatry Resident at Harlem Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hitesh Khurana
- Department of Psychiatry, Pt. B.D. Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Naveen Malhotra
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
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22
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Zheng W, Li XH, Zhu XM, Cai DB, Yang XH, Ungvari GS, Ng CH, Ning YP, Hu YD, He SH, Wang G, Xiang YT. Adjunctive ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Affect Disord 2019; 250:123-131. [PMID: 30852364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjunctive ketamine with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been investigated for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), but the findings have been inconsistent. AIM This is an updated meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of ketamine augmentation of ECT in the treatment of MDD. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the efficacy and safety of ketamine and ECT were identified and analyzed. RESULTS Seventeen RCTs (n = 1,035) compared ketamine alone or ketamine plus other anesthetic drugs (n = 557) with other anesthetic agents (n = 478) in MDD patients who received ECT. Ketamine+other anesthetic drugs was superior in improving depressive symptoms over other anesthetic medications at early study time point, but not at post-ECT or end of study time points. Ketamine alone was not more efficacious in treating depressive symptoms than other anesthetic drugs at early study, post-ECT and end of study time points. Sensitivity analysis and 19 of the 20 subgroup analyses also confirmed the lack of significance of these findings. Eleven RCTs testing the effects of ketamine on neurocognitive functions with various test batteries found mixed results. Ketamine alone significantly increased blood pressure more than other anesthetic drugs in MDD treated with ECT. CONCLUSION Compared to other anesthetic agents, ketamine alone does not appear to improve the efficacy of ECT. However, ketamine+other anesthetic combinations may confer a short-term advantage in improving depressive symptom at the early stages of ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders Beijing Anding Hospital & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, School of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Min Zhu
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dong-Bin Cai
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Hu Yang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Perth, Australia
| | - Chee H Ng
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yu-Ping Ning
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Dong Hu
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Gang Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders Beijing Anding Hospital & The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, School of Mental Health, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, 3/F, Building E12 Taipa, Macao SAR, China..
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23
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Gamble JJ, Bowen R, Balbuena L. In reply: Should we ever stop clinical trials for efficacy? Can J Anaesth 2018; 65:1267-1268. [DOI: 10.1007/s12630-018-1208-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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24
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Ketamine and depression. Br J Anaesth 2018; 121:1198-1202. [PMID: 30442244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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26
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Fergusson NA, Griesdale DEG. Should we ever stop clinical trials for efficacy? Can J Anaesth 2018; 65:1265-1266. [PMID: 30105434 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-018-1207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Fergusson
- MD Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Donald E G Griesdale
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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