Near miss with succinylcholine for electroconvulsive therapy: a case report

Electrolyte Disturbances Related to Sodium and Potassium and Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Electrolyte disturbances related to sodium and potassium affect patients with mental disorders undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The objective of this study was to systematically summarize the data regarding ECT and electrolyte disturbances related to sodium and potassium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Clinical studies of patients receiving ECT with electrolyte disturbances reported before or after treatment were included.

RESULTS

We identified nine case reports and two retrospective studies describing electrolyte abnormalities occurring before or after ECT. ECT was effective and safe in patients with hyponatremia and hypernatremia, including the elderly patient population. This treatment was also effective in treating psychiatric symptoms that may persist after ionic equalization. Electrolyte disturbances after ECT were rare. Reports have suggested that succinylcholine used as a muscle relaxant was the main cause of hyperkalemia after ECT.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrolyte control is a crucial aspect of guiding ECT therapy. In the context of sodium-related disorders, it is critical to control patient hydration as part of therapy. In addition, succinylcholine should not be used in patients with immobilization, such as catatonia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It is necessary to conduct further studies to clarify whether electrolyte concentration affects ECT parameters and clinical efficacy. In addition, it is necessary to assess the influence of various anesthetics on these conditions during ECT. The result of this review should be interpreted bearing in mind the small number of studies conducted to date and the low quality of the evidence they provide.

Suxamethonium-Induced Hyperkalemia: A Short Review of Causes and Recommendations for Clinical Applications

After the introduction of suxamethonium in 1953, cases of cardiac arrest during induction of anesthesia were recorded. In the following years, hyperkalemia was identified as the cause, and the connection to acetylcholine receptor modulation as the underlying molecular mechanism was made. Activation of the acetylcholine receptor with suxamethonium, acetylcholine, or choline causes an efflux of potassium to the extracellular space. However, certain pathological conditions cause acetylcholine receptor proliferation and the emergence of immature receptors capable of a larger potassium efflux to the bloodstream. These pathologic conditions include upper and lower neuron injuries, major burns, trauma, immobility, muscle tumors, muscular dystrophy, and prolonged critical illness. The latter is more important and relevant than ever due to the increasing number of COVID-19 patients requiring prolonged respiratory support and consequent immobilization. Suxamethonium can be used safely in the vast majority of patients. Still, reports of lethal hyperkalemic responses to suxamethonium continue to emerge. This review serves as a reminder of the pathophysiology behind extensive potassium release. Proficiency in the use of suxamethonium includes identification of patients at risk, and selection of an alternative neuromuscular blocking agent is imperative.

Pediatric Electroconvulsive Therapy: An Anesthesiologist's Perspective

Proper planning and communication between psychiatry and anesthesiology teams is vital to conferring the greatest therapeutic benefit to children presenting for electroconvulsive therapy while minimizing risk. Anesthesia for the child undergoing electroconvulsive therapy should ideally provide deep hypnosis, ensure muscle relaxation to reduce injury, have minimal effect on seizure dynamics, and allow for rapid recovery to baseline neurologic and cardiopulmonary status. Unique factors for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy include the potential need for preoperative anxiolytic and inhalational induction of anesthesia, which must be weighed against the detrimental effects of anesthetic agents on the evoked seizure quality required for a successful treatment.

Anesthetic considerations for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy is being used more frequently in the treatment of many chronic and acute psychiatric illnesses in children. The most common psychiatric indications for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy are refractory depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, catatonia, and autism. In addition, a relatively new indication is the treatment of pediatric refractory status epilepticus. The anesthesiologist may be called upon to assist in the care of this challenging and vulnerable patient population. Unique factors for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy include the potential need for preoperative anxiolytic and inhalational induction of anesthesia, which must be weighed against the detrimental effects of anesthetic agents on the evoked seizure quality required for a successful treatment. Dexmedetomidine is likely the most appropriate preoperative anxiolytic as oral benzodiazepines are relatively contraindicated. Methohexital, though becoming less available at many institutions, remains the gold standard for induction of anesthesia for pediatric electroconvulsive therapy though ketamine, propofol, and sevoflurane are becoming increasingly viable options. Proper planning and communication between the multidisciplinary teams involved in the care of children presenting for electroconvulsive therapy treatments is vital to mitigating risks and achieving the greatest therapeutic benefit.