Variation in serum potassium during electroconvulsive therapy in patients anaesthetized with thiopentone and methohexitone

Abstract

Summary: Serum potassium levels were measured before and during electroconvulsive therapy, in patients anaesthetized with methohexitone and thiopentone. In no case was any dangerous potassium level recorded. In patients anaesthetized with methohexitone, serum potassium levels showed a significant rise following the injection of suxamethonium and an induced convulsion. Patients anaesthetized with thiopentone showed a small rise in serum potassium, which was not significant. The protective effect of thiopentone given prior to suxamethonium and electroconvulsive therapy was demonstrated. A significant rise in serum potassium from the 1st to the 4th and 7th treatment was shown in those patients anaesthetized with thiopentone. This group also showed a significant difference between the serum potassium means of schizophrenics and depressives, which formed part of a large inter-patient difference. © 1972 John Sherratt & Son Ltd.