P6 acupressure does not prevent emesis during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery

Nausea and vomiting are major adverse effects during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) acupoint is a traditional Chinese acupuncture technique used for effective antiemetic purposes. In this study, we evaluated the antiemetic effect of P6 acupressure in parturients during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 110 parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were enrolled in the study. Thirty minutes before initiation of spinal anesthesia, parturients were randomized to acupressure bands or placebo bands bilaterally on the P6 acupoint and nausea and vomiting were observed over the study period. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal characteristics. Incidence rates for intraoperative nausea were 64% (acupressure group) and 71% (control group) (P = 0.416), with an incidence of intraoperative vomiting of 22% (acupressure group) and 27% (control group) (P = 0.506). The results suggest that prophylactic use of acupressure bands bilaterally on the P6 acupoint failed to prevent nausea and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.     

Dexamethasone prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine for post-Cesarean analgesia

PURPOSE: To determine the minimum effective dose of dexamethasone in preventing nausea and vomiting associated with epidural morphine for post-Cesarean analgesia. METHOD: One hundred and eighty parturients (n=45 in each of four groups) requiring epidural morphine for post-Cesarean analgesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. At the end of surgery, parturients received either dexamethasone, at doses of 10 mg, 5 mg, 2.5 mg, or saline i.v.. Three milligrams epidural morphine were given to all parturients for postoperative analgesia. The incidence of PONV and side effects were estimated for 24 hr after delivery by blinded, trained nurse anesthetists. RESULTS: Parturients who received dexamethasone, either 10 mg or 5 mg were different from those who received saline alone in the following parameters: the total incidence of nausea and vomiting, incidence of > 4 vomiting episodes, number the of parturients requiring rescue antiemetics, and the total number of parturients with no vomiting and/or no antiemetic medication (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). The differences between dexamethasone 10 mg and 5 mg were not significant. Dexamethasone 2.5 mg was partially effective. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone, 5 mg i.v., is suggested as the minimum effective dose in preventing nausea and vomiting associated with epidural morphine for post-Cesarean analgesia.     

Acupressure for intrathecal narcotic-induced nausea and vomiting after caesarean section

In this randomized double-blind trial we investigated the effect of acupressure on the incidence of nausea and vomiting after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with added intrathecal morphine. Parturients wore either acupressure or placebo wristbands during surgery and postoperatively for at least 10 h. There was no significant difference overall between the two groups in the incidence of intra- or postoperative nausea or vomiting/retching. Demand for antiemetic medication was also similar in the two groups. However, in the sub-group of parturients who gave a previous history of postoperative nausea or vomiting, there was a statistically significant reduction in both postoperative nausea and vomiting/retching in the acupressure group. Further investigations are needed to see whether acupressure may be an effective non-pharmacological, non-invasive treatment for a common problem in this sub-group of patients.     

Dexamethasone decreases epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting.

The aim of our study was to compare the antiemetic effect of IV dexamethasone with saline control in preventing epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting. Eighty patients requiring epidural anesthesia for abdominal total hysterectomy were enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. At the end of surgery, all patients received epidural morphine 3 mg for relief of postoperative pain. Before the morphine injection, the dexamethasone group (n = 40) received IV dexamethasone 8 mg, whereas the saline group (n = 40) received IV saline. We found that the incidence of postoperative vomiting was 5% in the dexamethasone group and 25% in the saline group (P<0.05). The total incidence of nausea and vomiting was 16% in the dexamethasone group and 56% in the saline group (P<0.001). IV dexamethasone 8 mg significantly decreases the incidence of epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting. IMPLICATIONS: We evaluated IV dexamethasone versus saline control in preventing epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting in patients receiving epidural morphine for postoperative pain control. We found that IV dexamethasone significantly decreased the total incidence of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine. IV dexamethasone may be a valuable treatment for preventing epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting.     

Transdermal scopolamine decreases nausea and vomiting following cesarean section in patients receiving epidural morphine

The authors evaluated the antiemetic properties of transdermal scopolamine (TDS) in healthy patients undergoing elective cesarean section and receiving epidural morphine for postoperative analgesia. Prior to administration of anesthesia, 203 patients had either TDS or a placebo study patch applied behind one ear. All patients were hydrated with lactated Ringer's solution iv and given 2.0% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine epidurally for surgical anesthesia. Following delivery of the infant, 4 mg of morphine sulphate was injected through the epidural catheter. After the operation patients were evaluated by "blinded" observers at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, and 48 h for nausea, vomiting, retching, pain relief, itching, and adverse effects. In addition, medications received were noted. No differences were found between the groups in terms of severity or incidence of pain, or requests for analgesic or antipruritic medication. Although there was no difference between the groups in the first 2 h, patients with TDS had significantly less nausea, vomiting, and retching than patients in the placebo group in each time interval between 2 and 10 h. Additionally, the TDS group required less antiemetic medication. There was no difference in the frequency of retching or vomiting between groups. Side effects were minimal and equal in both groups. The authors conclude that TDS results in a decreased incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients who have delivered by cesarean section and received epidural morphine. TDS appears safe for continuous antiemetic administration.     

Prophylacticiv ondansetron reduces nausea, vomiting and pruritus following epidural morphine for postoperative pain control

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prophylactic effect of ondansetron on nausea and vomiting following epidural morphine for postoperative pain control. METHODS: Seventy women (n = 35 in each group) undergoing abdominal total hysterectomy under epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. At the end of surgery, all patients received epidural morphine 3 mg for postoperative pain relief. Before morphine injection, the ondansetron group received iv ondansetron 4 mg, whereas the placebo group received iv saline. RESULTS: Patients in the ondansetron group reported a lower frequency of total postoperative nausea and vomiting (22%) and lower frequency of rescue antiemetic request (12%) than those in the placebo group (52% and 39%, respectively; P < 0.05). In addition, ondansetron was associated with a reduced incidence of pruritus following epidural morphine (28% vs 58%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that iv ondansetron 4 mg is effective in the prevention of nausea, vomiting, and pruritus following epidural morphine for postoperative pain control.     

The effectiveness of low dose droperidol in controlling nausea and vomiting during epidural anesthesia for cesarean section

The antiemetic efficacy of 0.5 mg of droperidol was evaluated in 128 term parturients undergoing elective and non-urgent cesarean section with epidural anesthesia. Following delivery, parturients received intravenously either 0.5 mg of droperidol or normal saline in a double-blinded fashion. Droperidol decreased nausea after delivery from 41 to 13% (P=0.001). There was no significant decrease in the incidence of vomiting. Analysis of the data using logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age (P = 0.002), hypotension after delivery (P = 0.040), and vomiting prior to delivery (P = 0.017) were associated with increased nausea after delivery. No extrapyramidal symptoms or significant changes in pulse rate or blood pressure were associated with droperidol administration. We conclude that 0.5 mg of intravenous droperidol decreases nausea in term parturients undergoing non-urgent cesarean section with epidural anesthesia without producing unwanted side-effects.     

A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of acupressure wristbands for the prevention of nausea and vomiting during labour and delivery

Introduction

Approximately 50% of women experience nausea or vomiting during labour. P6 acupoint stimulation reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy and after chemotherapy. The aim of this randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was to determine whether P6 acupressure prevented nausea and vomiting during labour and delivery.

Methods

After ethical approval and informed consent, women admitted for induction of labour, or in spontaneous labour, were randomised to receive either acupressure bands (Pressure Right™) (Group A) or sham placebo bands (Group P) applied to each wrist. Exclusions included recent nausea or vomiting.

Results

We consented 365 women and randomised 340 (170 per group). The groups had similar patient and labour characteristics. The incidence of nausea and/or vomiting did not significantly differ (Group A 53% vs. Group P 50%, P = 0.58). There was no significant difference between groups (A vs. P, respectively) in the incidence of nausea (52% vs. 45%), vomiting (27% vs. 28%), rescue antiemetic treatment (27% in both), severity of nausea or vomiting, satisfaction with control of nausea or ratings of inconvenience or discomfort from the bands (10% vs. 11%). Factors significantly associated with emetic symptoms were smoking (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.07-4.37), opioid analgesia (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.06-3.59), history of motion-induced or postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.17-2.94) and higher body mass index (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.12).

Conclusion

In this study acupressure wristbands applied bilaterally did not reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting during labour and delivery.     

Acupressure for postoperative nausea and vomiting in gynaecological patients receiving patient-controlled analgesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure in preventing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing gynaecological operations and receiving a patient-controlled analgesia device. METHODS: Patients aged between 40 and 65 yr were included. Exclusion criteria were obesity, diabetes mellitus, and history of motion sickness, postoperative nausea and vomiting, or smoking. Patients were randomized into one of two groups, acupressure and control. In the acupressure group, acupressure bands were placed on both wrists with the plastic bead positioned at the P6 point. In controls, beads were placed at a non-acupoint site. All patients received a standard general anaesthetic. Postoperatively, patients were connected to a patient-controlled analgesia device with morphine (loading dose 5 mg, background infusion 1 mg h-1, bolus dose 1 mg and lock-out time 10 min). Pain and sedation scores, respiratory rate, heart rate, arterial pressure and oxygen saturation were recorded for 24 h. Metoclopramide 10 mg was administered intravenously as a rescue antiemetic. RESULTS: Fifty patients received acupressure and 50 were controls. In the acupressure group, 33% of patients had nausea compared with 63% controls. The cumulative incidence of vomiting at 24 h was 25% with acupressure and 61% in controls. The incidence of nausea, vomiting and antiemetic use was significantly lower with acupressure. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure at the P6 meridian point is an effective alternative for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving patient-controlled analgesia with morphine after gynaecological surgery.     

Dexamethasone for preventing nausea and vomiting associated with epidural morphine: a dose-ranging study

We conducted a dose-ranging study of dexamethasone for preventing nausea and vomiting within the first 24 h after the administration of epidural morphine. Two hundred twenty-five women (n = 45 in each of the five groups) undergoing simple abdominal total hysterectomy under epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. When the incision closure was completed, patients received IV dexamethasone, 10 mg, 5 mg, or 2.5 mg; IV droperidol 1.25 mg; or saline 2 mL. All patients received epidural morphine 3 mg for postoperative analgesia. We found that patients who received dexamethasone 5 mg or 10 mg or droperidol 1.25 mg were significantly different from those who received saline alone in the following variables: the total incidence of nausea and vomiting, the incidence of more than four vomiting episodes, the number of patients requiring rescue antiemetics, the total number of patients with no vomiting and/or no antiemetic medication (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). The differences among dexamethasone 10 mg and 5 mg and droperidol 1.25 mg were not significant. Dexamethasone 2.5 mg was ineffective. In conclusion, because dexamethasone 5 mg was as effective as 10 mg as an antiemetic, we recommend the smaller dose for preventing nausea and vomiting associated with epidural morphine. IMPLICATIONS: We conducted a dose-ranging study of dexamethasone for preventing nausea and vomiting within the first 24 h after the administration of epidural morphine. We found that dexamethasone 5 mg was as effective as 10 mg. We recommend the smaller dose for this purpose.     

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after intrathecal morphine for Cesarean section: a randomized comparison of dexamethasone, droperidol, and a combination

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal morphine provides good analgesia after cesarean delivery but the side effects include nausea and vomiting. Low-dose droperidol (0.625 mg) combined with dexamethasone 4 mg is postulated to have an additive antiemetic effect with less side effects. We therefore compared single doses of dexamethasone and droperidol alone with a low-dose combination of the two, to prevent spinal morphine-induced nausea and vomiting after cesarean section. METHODS: In a double-blind study, 120 women undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia (using 0.5% bupivacaine 10 mg and morphine 0.2 mg) were allocated randomly to receive dexamethasone 8 mg, droperidol 1.25 mg, dexamethasone 4 mg and droperidol 0.625 mg, or placebo, before the end of surgery. The incidences of nausea and vomiting, sedative score, pain score, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of nausea and vomiting within 6 h postoperatively was lower and incidence of no nausea and vomiting for 24 h postoperatively was significantly higher for the combination group compared to the placebo group and the dexamethasone only group. Sedation scores within 3 h postoperatively and incidence of restlessness for the combination group were significantly lower than in the droperidol only group. CONCLUSION: An additive antiemetic effect and no significant side effects were shown for the combination of dexamethasone 4 mg and droperidol 0.625 mg. This combination was more effective than either dexamethasone 8 mg or droperidol 1.25 mg alone in preventing nausea and vomiting after spinal anesthesia using 0.5% bupivacaine and morphine 0.2 mg.     

The antiemetic effect of dexamethasone during continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine for postoperative pain relief

BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone is known to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, associated with perioperative intrathecal, epidural, or intravenous morphine. However, the effect of dexamethasone on subcutaneous morphine is unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the antiemetic effect of intravenous dexamethasone during continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine for postoperative pain relief. METHODS: Twenty patients scheduled for spinal surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. The dexamethasone group (n=10) received dexamethasone 8 mg and the saline group (n=10) received the same amount of saline before the induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol and fentanyl. Postoperative pain was treated with continuous subcutaneous morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia device. Postoperatively patients were assessed during 48 hours for nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: Nausea or vomiting ascribable to the subcutaneous morphine developed in 40% of the patients in each group (P:NS). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the single dose of dexamethasone (8 mg) does not reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting associated with continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine after spinal surgery.     

The prophylactic effect of tropisetron on epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting: a comparison of dexamethasone with saline

Tropisetron is a 5-hydroxytryptamine subtype 3 receptor antagonist that is primarily used in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. We evaluated the prophylactic effect of tropisetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting associated with epidural morphine. Dexamethasone and saline served as controls. One-hundred twenty women (n = 40 in each of three groups) undergoing abdominal total hysterectomy under epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. At the end of surgery, Group 1 received IV tropisetron 5 mg, whereas Groups 2 and 3 received dexamethasone 5 mg and saline, respectively. We found that tropisetron did not significantly reduce the occurrence of nausea and vomiting associated with epidural morphine. Dexamethasone, however, reduced the total incidence of nausea and vomiting from 59% to 21% (P < 0.01) and the percentage of patients requiring rescue antiemetic from 38% to 13% (P < 0.05). We conclude that IV tropisetron 5 mg did not prevent the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting associated with epidural morphine. IV dexamethasone 5 mg was effective for this purpose. IMPLICATIONS: We compared the prophylactic IV administration of tropisetron 5 mg to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) associated with epidural morphine with dexamethasone 5 mg and saline in women undergoing hysterectomy. We found that tropisetron 5 mg did not significantly reduce the occurrence of PONV associated with epidural morphine. Dexamethasone 5 mg was effective for this purpose.     

硬膜外单次剂量缓释吗啡（DepoDur^TM）与硬膜外普通吗啡用于剖宫产术后镇痛的比较

背景椎管内单次剂量硫酸吗啡可以为剖宫产术后提供良好的镇痛；但是，其疗效仅限于手术后l天。在近期的一项Ⅲ期研究中，与常规硬膜外吗啡相比，缓释硬膜外吗啡（EREM）为剖宫产手术后提供了更有效、更长时间的镇痛。然而，该研究方案不允许使用非甾体抗炎药物（NSAIDs），却使用了多种手术后镇痛药物，对于呼吸抑制的监测和治疗也没有标准化。我们进行本研究的目的是在更具代表性的妇科临床条件下，比较在剖宫产手术后使用EREM与硬膜外普通吗啡，两者在术后镇痛药用量、疼痛评分及副作用方面的差异。方法这项随机、双盲研究中纳入了70例接受择期剖宫产手术的健康产妇。采用腰．硬联合阻滞技术，蛛网膜下腔注入布比卡因12mg和芬太尼10斗g。在关闭腹膜后，硬膜外单次注射普通吗啡4mg或EREM10mg。所有患者手术后每6小时口服布洛芬600mg，如果出现爆发痛，可口服氢考酮或者静脉注射吗啡。手术后48小时内，监测患者的脉搏氧饱和度和呼吸情况。结果无论在静息时还是活动状态，单剂EREM均可显著改善疼痛评分。EREM组与常规硬膜外吗啡组相比，剖宫产手术后48小时内追加的阿片类药物用量（以吗啡等效剂量表示）中位数（四分位数间距）由17（22）mg降至10（17）mg（P=0．037）。两组药物均有良好耐受性且在不良反应方面无明显差异。结论EREM与普通吗啡相比，能够为剖宫产术后提供更好更持久的镇痛，而不良反应未见明显增加。     

Prevention of nausea and vomiting with granisetron, droperidol and metoclopramide during and after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Nausea and vomiting during and after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section are distressing to the patient. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of granisetron, droperidol and metoclopramide for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in parturients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 patients received granisetron 3 mg, droperidol 1.25 mg, metoclopramide 10 mg or placebo (saline) ( n =30 of each) i. v. immediately after clamping of the foetal umbilical cord. Nausea, vomiting and safety assessments were performed during and after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Results: The incidence of intraoperative, post-delivery nausea and vomiting was 13%, 17%, 20% and 63% after administration of granisetron, droperidol, metoclopramide and placebo, respectively; the corresponding incidence during 0–3 h after surgery was 7%, 27%, 27% and 43%; the corresponding incidence during 3–24 h after surgery was 7%, 20%, 23% and 37% ( P <0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). No clinically important adverse events were observed in any of the groups.
Conclusion: Granisetron is highly effective for preventing nausea and vomiting during and after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. Droperidol and metoclopramide are effective for the prevention of intraoperative, post-delivery emesis, but are ineffective for the reduction of the incidence of postoperative emesis.     

Effect and placebo effect of acupressure (P6) on nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynaecological surgery

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture and acupressure have previously been reported to possess antiemetic effect. We wanted to investigate the "true" and placebo effect of acupressure in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty women undergoing outpatient minor gynaecological surgery were entered into a double-blind and randomised study. One group received acupressure with bilateral stimulation of P6 (A), a second group received bilateral placebo stimulation (P) and a third group received no acupressure wrist band and served as a reference group (R). PONV was evaluated as number of patients with complete response (no PONV), nausea only or vomiting. In addition, the need for rescue antiemetic medication and nausea after 24 h was registered. RESULTS: Complete response was obtained in 11, 11 and 9 patients in groups, A, P and R, respectively. Nine, 7 and 6 patients had nausea before discharge home, and 1, 1 and 8 patients were nauseated (8 vs 1 patient: P < 0.05) 24 h after operation in A, P and R groups, respectively. When compared to placebo acupressure (2 patients vomited and 5 needed rescue), significantly (P < 0.05) fewer needed rescue antiemetic medication after acupressure at P6 (no vomiting or rescue medication). When compared to the observation group (5 vomited and 4 needed rescue antiemetics), significantly fewer vomited after acupressure (P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing brief gynaecological surgery, placebo effect of acupressure decreased nausea after 24 h but vomiting and need of rescue antiemetics was reduced only by acupressure with the correct P6 point stimulation.     

Sexual differences in effects and side effects of epidural morphine for VATS (video-associated thoracic surgery)

BACKGROUND : VATS (video-associated thoracic surgery) is mainly undertaken under general anesthesia only. Considering with patient's respiratory stability and postoperative pain relief, epidural anesthesia has advantages over general anesthesia. According to our clinical experience, side effects of epidural morphine, especially nausea and vomiting, often torture patients, especially woman. METHODS: Epidural catheter was inserted before general anesthesia. Morphine 0-3mg was administered at the beginning of the operation and 0-4 mg was injected within 30hr after the operation. Effects and side effects of epidural morphine among 98 patients being operated by VATS were investigated backward with special attention to gender differences. The adverse effects noticed were thirst feeling, itching, nausea, vomiting and urinary retention. The use of rescue analgesics was also analyzed in each patient. RESULTS : Among 68 men and 30 women, dosage of epidural morphine was not significantly different by gender. As for the side effects, the significant gender difference was observed only in nausea and vomiting, showing 46.7% in female and 16.2% in male (P= 0.07). CONCLUSIONS : Statistically significant gender differences of effectiveness and side effects of epidural morphine in VATS were observed only in nausea and vomiting.     

Ondansetron for treatment of intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus after cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pruritus induced by intrathecal morphine is a concern in many obstetric patients after cesarean delivery and may detract from the benefit of postoperative pain relief. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of ondansetron (5-HT3 receptor antagonist) in treatment of pruritus following intrathecal morphine. METHODS: Eighty parturients developing moderate to severe pruritus following intrathecal morphine were randomly allocated into 2 groups. One group received 4 mg ondansetron while the other group received placebo (normal saline). The improvement of pruritus and other adverse effects such as pain scores, nausea, vomiting, sedation, hallucination, and respiratory depression were determined at 30 minutes after study drugs' administration. RESULTS: The treatment success rate was higher in the ondansetron group than in the placebo group (80% v 36%, P < .001). Among the successfully treated patients, the recurrence rates of moderate to severe pruritus within 4 hours after administration of ondansetron and placebo were 12% and 70%, respectively (P < .001). The number of patients with decreased nausea and vomiting score was also higher in the ondansetron group (11 v 1, P < .006). CONCLUSION: Ondansetron treats intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus after cesarean delivery, particularly in patients suffering from both nausea/vomiting and pruritus.     

A double-blinded,randomized comparison of intrathecal and epidural morphine for elective cesarean delivery

We randomized 150 parturients into a double-blinded trial to receive intrathecal (IT) 100 microg (IT 100 group) or 200 microg (IT 200 group) or epidural 3 mg (Epidural group) of morphine for elective cesarean delivery with a combined spinal/epidural technique. The patients additionally received ketoprofen 300 mg/d. Postoperative pain relief and side effects were registered every 3 h up to 24 h, and all patients were interviewed on the first postoperative day. Pain control was equally good, but the parturients in the IT 100 group requested rescue analgesics more often compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Itching was a common complaint and was reported by 74% of the parturients in the Epidural group and 65% and 91% in the IT 100 and IT 200 groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Medication for itching was requested by 44%, 24%, and 45% of the patients, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no difference in postoperative nausea or vomiting. The pain relief was perceived as good by >90% of the patients in all groups. In conclusion, because of the decreased incidence of and lesser requirements of medication for itching, IT morphine 100 microg with ketoprofen is recommended in cesarean deliveries. Rescue analgesics nevertheless need to be prescribed. IMPLICATIONS: Spinal morphine is an effective analgesic after cesarean delivery, but it has several side effects. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of side effects and the level of analgesia of epidural morphine with two different doses of spinal morphine after elective cesarean delivery. Although rescue analgesics may be required, intrathecal morphine 100 microg is suggested for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery.     

盐酸帕洛诺司琼预防上腹部手术后硬膜外吗啡镇痛所致的恶心呕吐

目的 观察和评价帕洛诺司琼对上腹部手术后硬膜外吗啡镇痛引起的恶心呕吐的预防效果和安全性.方法 择期行上腹部手术并术后接受硬膜外吗啡镇痛患者60例,随机分为帕洛诺司琼组（P组）和托烷司琼组（T组）.手术结束前30 min,P组患者缓慢静注帕洛诺司琼0.25 mg,T组患者缓慢静注托烷司琼6 mg.观察记录两组患者术后24 h、48 h VAS及Ramsay评分、恶心呕吐的程度,计算恶心呕吐有效控制率.同时记录患者腹胀、头痛、椎体外系症状等不良反应.结果 两组患者术后24 h及48 h的VAS及Ramsay评分差异无统计学意义.P组患者术后24 h的恶心及呕吐有效控制率分别为80.0%和73.3%,T组分别为63.3%和60.0%;P组患者术后48 h的恶心及呕吐有效控制率分别为90.0%和93.3%,T组分别为66.6%和63.3%.两组患者术后24 h恶心、呕吐有效控制率差异无统计学意义.P组患者术后48 h恶心、呕吐有效控制率明显优于T组患者（P 〈 0.05）.帕洛诺司琼的不良反应主要为头痛.结论 腹部手术后24 h内,帕洛诺司琼预防吗啡硬膜外镇痛所致的恶心呕吐的效果与托烷司琼相当,但术后48 h预防恶心呕吐的效果优于托烷司琼,且不良反应发生率低,程度较轻,安全性好.