Brain activity and inflammation markers in older adults with depression receiving electroconvulsive therapy

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults aged 55 or older who are having a major depressive episode from major depression or bipolar disorder and need electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Healthy adults aged 55 or older can join as a control group.

Age

55 years or older

Sex

All sexes

Disease stage

Patients: a current major depressive episode in Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder (DSM-5), with a clinical need for ECT. Controls: no current psychiatric disorder.

Earlier treatment

Patients and controls cannot have had ECT or TMS in the previous month.

Main reasons for not taking part

• Primary brain disease such as dementia or traumatic brain injury
• Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
• Heart attack within the previous 3 months
• Current alcohol or substance use disorder
• Active infection

The registry criteria, word for word

What the trial wants to find out

This study aims to investigate the neurophysiological and inflammatory changes associated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in older age patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Episode, Major Depression, and Bipolar Disorder, using microstate analysis derived from resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Within this scope, EEG recordings obtained before and after ECT will be compared to determine the relationships between changes in microstate parameters and inflammatory marker levels, clinical variables, and psychometric scale scores reflecting clinical improvement. Peripheral blood samples collected from the same patient group will be analyzed for complete blood count parameters as well as levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp-130), soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 kDa (IP-10), and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, inflammatory indices, including the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), will be calculated. The association between baseline levels of these biomarkers and treatment response will be evaluated. Moreover, changes in biomarker levels following ECT will be statistically examined in relation to clinical scale scores and EEG microstate parameters. Although microstate analysis and inflammatory biomarkers have each been extensively investigated in psychiatric disorders, studies evaluating these two biomarkers together, particularly with the inclusion of healthy control participants, in the older age population remain limited. In this regard, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of ECT on older age patients using objective neurophysiological indicators, contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of depression at the level of brain networks, and provide a scientific basis for the development of personalised treatment approaches in the future.

The 2 groups in the trial

• Patients with Major Depressive Disorder who was suggested ECT clinically

  People over 55 years of age who were diagnosed with Major Depressive Episode, whose diagnosis is either Major Depression or Bipolar Depression

  Treatment: Electroconvulsive Therapy

• Healthy Control

  The healthy control group will consist of age- and sex-matched volunteers who are 55 years of age or older, who do not use any medication that may significantly influence EEG activity or inflammatory biomarkers, and who do not have a current neurological or psychiatric disorder. Healthy controls will also provide written informed consent before participation. EEG recordings will be obtained once and will serve as reference data for normal brain activity.