Caffeine augmentation of ECT
Article Abstract:
Previous studies have indicated that seizures induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be prolonged by intravenous administration of caffeine. ECT is given as treatment for patients with major depression, and during the course of this therapy increases in stimulus charge are typically needed. Caffeine was experimentally shown to obviate the need for increases in stimulus charge. To further investigate the effect that intravenous caffeine has on ECT in patients with major depression, 40 inpatients who had received ECT for major depression (as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition) were evaluated. The subjects were randomly assigned to pretreatment with intravenous caffeine, or to receive a placebo prior to ECT. As the patients were treated, a 30 percent additional dose of stimulus charge was administered if the subject's seizure was less than 20 seconds in duration. If the seizure was maintained for longer than 100 seconds, the charge was reduced by 30 percent. After a series of ECT, which was conducted three times a week, the results of patients receiving intravenous caffeine were compared with those of patients who received electrical stimulus doses alone to maintain seizure duration. No adverse side effects were observed in the group that was given intravenous caffeine, and no differences between the average seizure duration per ECT treatment or average cumulative seizure durations were observed. The average stimulus charge required to maintain intensity was 49 percent in the group given stimulus intensity compared with an average decrease of 7.9 percent in the group receiving caffeine. No major differences in cognitive side effects were noted between the two groups. The results of previous studies have indicated that patients given caffeine take longer to become reoriented, but this was not observed in this trial. It was concluded that pretreatment with intravenous caffeine can provide an effective alternative to stimulus intensity dosing during ECT treatment to help maintain seizure duration; the clinical results of both methods were comparable. It is also believed that further study of the effect of caffeine pretreatment in ECT may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of ECT action. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychiatry
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-953X
Year: 1990
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Caribou: the unbroken circle
Article Abstract:
A 200,000 Porcupine caribou herd may be threatened by proposed oil and gas exploration in this pristine area of Alaska. The herd makes an annual circle, crossing the frozen rivers at the end of winter to spend spring 400 miles away on the coastal plain, which is their calving ground. It is estimated that drilling could seriously reduce the caribou population.
Publication Name: Backpacker
Subject: Sports and fitness
ISSN: 0277-867X
Year: 1992
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Wireless capsule endoscopy
Article Abstract:
It has been possible to develop a new form of endoscopy involving a wireless capsule endoscope. After being swallowed, the capsule transmits video images from the stomach, small bowel and caecum.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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