BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of depressive and bipolar disorders has been advocated as being safe and effective in pregnancy. CASE: A primigravida underwent multiple electroconvulsive treatments during pregnancy for the diagnosis of major depression. The infant was subsequently born with multiple deep interhemispheric infarcts. CONCLUSION: Despite reassuring statements regarding the safety of electroconvulsive therapy, this case report and a review of the literature suggests that electroconvulsive therapy during pregnancy should be performed with caution.
BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of depressive and bipolar disorders has been advocated as being safe and effective in pregnancy. CASE: A primigravida underwent multiple electroconvulsive treatments during pregnancy for the diagnosis of major depression. The infant was subsequently born with multiple deep interhemispheric infarcts. CONCLUSION: Despite reassuring statements regarding the safety of electroconvulsive therapy, this case report and a review of the literature suggests that electroconvulsive therapy during pregnancy should be performed with caution.
Authors: Kari Ann Leiknes; Mary Jennifer Cooke; Lindy Jarosch-von Schweder; Ingrid Harboe; Bjørg Høie Journal: Arch Womens Ment Health Date: 2013-11-24 Impact factor: 3.633