ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS : The use of Electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment modality has increased over the recent years. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with transient episodes of hypertension and tachycardia.Various agents like Beta-blocking agents, Opioids, Nitroglycerine and Clonidine are usedto prevent cardiovascular response.Aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of Fentanyl on cardiovascular response and seizure duration during ECT. MATERIAL AND METHOD :60 patients aged 18-60 years with ASA Grade I or II undergoing ECT were divided into Group A patients who received Inj.Fentanyl 1 mcg/kg intravenously and Group B patients who did not received Inj. Fentanyl 1 mcg/kg. The haemodynamic changes and seizure duration were recorded and tested by Mean, Standard deviation, Percentage, P value for significance. RESULTS :The haemodynamic changes after giving ECT were less in Fentanyl Group A (P<0.05) as compared to Nonfentanyl Group B and vitals came to baseline value earlier in Fentanyl group than Nonfentanyl group. Seizure duration was not affected by Fentanyl (P>0.05). CONCLUSION : Those patients receiving ECT when given Inj. Fentanyl 1 mcg/kg intravenously wereseen to be more haemodynamicaly stable as compared to those patients who did not received Inj.Fentanyl intravenously.