Propofol Versus Methohexital in Electroconvulsive Therapy: Impact on Treatment Efficacy and Adverse Effects. A Systematic Literature Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors' conclusion
Low-quality evidence suggests equal efficacy of propofol compared to methohexital with regard to clinical remission of depression after ECT.
Study context
- Population
- Adults receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression8 studies
- Participants
- 194 vs 198
- Comparison
- Propofol vs methohexital for ECT anaesthesia induction
- Propofoln = 194
- Methohexitaln = 198reference
- Outcome
- Clinical treatment response, defined by the number of ECT sessions required to achieve remission
Methodological detailsPRISMA guidelines, 5 RCTs and 3 retrospective cohort studies
- PRISMA guidelines
- 5 RCTs and 3 retrospective cohort studies
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Number of ECT sessions required for recovery
- Number of ECT sessions required for recovery did not differ between groups
- Meta-analysis of 3 RCTs, 131 patients (62 propofol, 69 methohexital)
Further pooled results
- All studies showed effective alleviation of depression through ECT, regardless of anaesthetic
Safety
Adverse effects (AEs) associated with ECT
- AEs inconsistently reported; comprehensive overview not possible
Original publication
Propofol Versus Methohexital in Electroconvulsive Therapy: Impact on Treatment Efficacy and Adverse Effects. A Systematic Literature Review and Meta‐Analysis. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. Published July 2025. doi:10.
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