Study on the Influence of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on Homocysteine Levels

University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School

Status and phase

Completed

Phase 4

Conditions

Depressive Disorder, Major

Treatments

Procedure: ECT treatment

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT00370058

ECT and Homocysteine

Homocystein

ECT

Details and patient eligibility

About

Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with depression and cognitive impairment. When depression ameliorates due to treatment, homocysteine serum levels often normalize. Aim of the present study is to investigate, whether repeated ECT treatment leads to changes in homocysteine levels and if these changes are associated with the occurrence of cognitive impairment after ECS.

10 patients suffering from therapy-resistant depression shall be enrolled. Patients are treated with repeated ECT (three times the week). Before, directly after and one day after ECT treatment, blood samples are drawn and patients receive cognitive testing. Depressive symptomatology is checked with different rating scales.

Full description

BACKGROUND:

Elevated homocysteine levels have been found in depressive disorders. The modulating effects of homocysteine on glutamatergic neurotransmission have been discussed to be an underlying cause of depression and can also lead to cognitive impairment and may facilitate seizures. Electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective treatment for depression, but often leads to cognitive impairments.

HYPOTHESIS:

Homocysteine levels normalize during rECT. This normalization is associated with the clinical improvement of depression. Short term changes in homocysteine levels (i.e. increase directly after ECT) may explain the cognitive impairments of the patients.

METHOD:

10 patients with therapy-resistant depressive disorder are to be enrolled into the trial. Patients are treated with rECT, two to three times a week. Blood withdrawal and psychometric analysis will be performed before, directly after and one day after ECT treatment 1,4,7,10,(13). Necessity of further treatment will be checked after the first 6 ECTs.

Enrollment

10 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 80 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Key Inclusion Criteria:

Men and women aged 18 years or above
Diagnosis of major depressive disorder (according to DSM IV)
Secured therapy resistance (at least two trials with antidepressive medication of different classes for more then 4 weeks in adequate dosage)
Written, informed consent

Key Exclusion Criteria: