Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
We hypothesized that propofol, a unique general anesthetic that engages N-methyl-D-aspartate and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, has antidepressant properties. This open-label trial was designed to collect preliminary data regarding the feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of deep propofol anesthesia for treatment-resistant depression.Methods
Ten participants with moderate-to-severe medication-resistant depression (age 18-45 years and otherwise healthy) each received a series of 10 propofol infusions. Propofol was dosed to strongly suppress electroencephalographic activity for 15 minutes. The primary depression outcome was the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Self-rated depression scores were compared with a group of 20 patients who received electroconvulsive therapy.Results
Propofol treatments were well tolerated by all subjects. No serious adverse events occurred. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores remained stable. Hamilton scores decreased by a mean of 20 points (range 0-45 points), corresponding to a mean 58% improvement from baseline (range 0-100%). Six of the 10 subjects met the criteria for response (>50% improvement). Self-rated depression improved similarly in the propofol group and electroconvulsive therapy group. Five of the 6 propofol responders remained well for at least 3 months. In posthoc analyses, electroencephalographic measures predicted clinical response to propofol.Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that high-dose propofol treatment is feasible and well tolerated by individuals with treatment-resistant depression who are otherwise healthy. Propofol may trigger rapid, durable antidepressant effects similar to electroconvulsive therapy but with fewer side effects. Controlled studies are warranted to further evaluate propofol's antidepressant efficacy and mechanisms of action. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02935647.
SUBMITTER: Mickey BJ
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6276046 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Mickey Brian J BJ White Andrea T AT Arp Anna M AM Leonardi Kolby K Torres Marina M MM Larson Adam L AL Odell David H DH Whittingham Sara A SA Beck Michael M MM Jessop Jacob E JE Sakata Derek J DJ Bushnell Lowry A LA Pierson Matthew D MD Solzbacher Daniela D Kendrick E Jeremy EJ Weeks Howard R HR Light Alan R AR Light Kathleen C KC Tadler Scott C SC
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology 20181201 12
<h4>Background</h4>We hypothesized that propofol, a unique general anesthetic that engages N-methyl-D-aspartate and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, has antidepressant properties. This open-label trial was designed to collect preliminary data regarding the feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of deep propofol anesthesia for treatment-resistant depression.<h4>Methods</h4>Ten participants with moderate-to-severe medication-resistant depression (age 18-45 years and otherwise healthy) each rece ...[more]