Efficacy of low-dose dexamethasone for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting following strabismus repair in children

We studied the efficacy of a range of doses of dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting following strabismus repair in children in a hospital-based, prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Two hundred and ten children were randomized to receive either dexamethasone in one of four dosages: 50 microg/kg (Group 1), 100 microg/kg (Group 2), 200 microg/kg (Group 3) and 250 microg/kg (Group 4) or normal saline (Group 5) prior to corrective surgery for strabismus. Anaesthesia was standardized and included nitrous oxide, pethidine, intubation and the use of muscle relaxant and reversal with neostigmine. Postoperative nausea and vomiting were evaluated in epochs of 0-2 hours, 2-6 hours and 6-24 hours after surgery. Parent satisfaction was assessed 24 hours after surgery and the operated eye was examined for wound infection and delayed healing one week later Dexamethasone was effective in preventing nausea and vomiting after strabismus repair: 57.1% children in Group 1, 42.9% in Group 2, 52.4% in Group 3, and 59.5% in Group 4 were free from postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with 7.1% in placebo group. The lowest dose of 50 microg/kg was as efficacious as the higher dosages of dexamethasone during the 24 hours studied. Of the children who developed postoperative nausea and vomiting those who received dexamethasone had significantly fewer episodes than those in the placebo group. We conclude that dexamethasone 50 microg/kg is effective for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting following strabismus repair in children.     

Low-dose Ondansetron with Dexamethasone More Effectively Decreases Vomiting after Strabismus Surgery in Children than Does High-dose Ondansetron

Background: Ondansetron and dexamethasone have been observed to decrease the incidence of vomiting by children after general anesthesia. This study compared the effect of high-dose (150 micro gram/kg) ondansetron with low-dose (50 micro gram/kg) ondansetron plus 150 micro gram/kg dexamethasone on the incidence of vomiting after strabismus in children.

Methods: This study had a double-blind, blocked, stratified, randomized design. With parental consent and Hospital Ethics Committee approval, healthy children aged 2-14 yr who were undergoing elective strabismus surgery were studied. Anesthesia was induced intravenously with propofol or by inhalation with halothane and nitrous oxide. Patients in the high-dose group were given placebo plus 150 micro gram/kg (maximum dose, 8 mg) of ondansetron intravenously, whereas patients in the low-dose group were given 150 micro gram/kg dexamethasone (maximum dose, 8 mg) and 50 micro gram/kg ondansetron intravenously in a double-blind manner. Anesthesia was maintained with halothane and nitrous oxide. All incidences of vomiting occurring as long as 24 h after anesthesia were recorded.

Results: Three of the 200 patients enrolled in the study were excluded from data analysis. The groups were similar with respect to demographic data and potential confounding variables. Patients vomited from 0-12 times. The low-dose ondansetron plus dexamethasone group had a lower incidence of vomiting, 9% (95% CI = 4-17%) versus 28% (95% CI = 20-38%; P < 0.001). Only 1% of the patients in the low-dose ondansetron plus dexamethasone group vomited while in the hospital.     

Minimum effective dose of dexamethasone after tonsillectomy

BACKGROUND: The minimum effective dose of dexamethasone in conjunction with 50 microg x kg(-1) ondansetron was evaluated in the treatment for vomiting after elective tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: A total of 102 healthy children between 2 and 12 years of age participated in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. A single intravenous (i.v.) dose of dexamethasone (50, 100, 150 microg x kg(-1), maximum dose 8 mg) with ondansetron (50 microg x kg(-1)) was administered just before the end of surgery. Equal volumes of normal saline were given to the control group. General anaesthesia was induced and maintained by inhalation of N2O/O2 and sevoflurane. All other preoperative and postoperative medications (including a supplementary dose of antiemetics if necessary), anaesthesia and surgical techniques were standardized. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups in postoperative vomiting on the day of surgery and the next day, or in the need for postoperative pain medication and supplementary doses of antiemetics (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that surgical technique and anaesthetic management used in this study could be the cause of the lower incidence of nausea and vomiting. Assessment of nausea and vomiting in a prospective study with larger groups of patients may reflect different results.     

Ondansetron with propofol reduces the incidence of emesis in children following tonsillectomy

PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that the antiemetic effects of a combination of ondansetron and propofol were superior to propofol alone in children undergoing tonsillectomy surgery. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was employed. Young children underwent mask induction with halothane, nitrous oxide and oxygen and then had i.v. access established: older children had i.v. induction with propofol. All patients received 0.3 mg x kg(-1) mivacurium and 2-4 microg x kg(-1) fentanyl i.v. and 30 mg x kg(-1) acetaminophen pr to a maximum dose of 650 mg. Following induction, patients received either 100 microg x kg(-1) ondansetron or placebo. Anaesthesia was maintained with 120-140 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) propofol, nitrous oxide and oxygen to maintain vital signs within 20% of baseline. After surgery, in all patients the tracheas were extubated in the operating room without use of neuromuscular reversing agents. Episodes of emesis were recorded by PACU nurses for four to six hours. A telephone interview on the following day was also used for data recovery. Groups were compared in relation to age using the Mann-Whitney test, and with respect to sex and number of episodes of vomiting using the Fisher Exact Test. RESULTS: Three of the 45 patients who received ondansetron vomited (6.7%), whereas 10 of the 45 patients who received placebo vomited (22.2%). (P = 0.035) CONCLUSION: Ondansetron in a dose of 100 microg x kg(-1), when combined with propofol for children undergoing tonsillectomy reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting to very low levels.     

Subhypnotic propofol infusion plus dexamethasone is more effective than dexamethasone alone for the prevention of vomiting in children after tonsillectomy

Background: Postoperative vomiting (POV) is a common complication after tonsillectomy. Dexamethasone is known to decrease postsurgical vomiting. In this study, we compared the effects of dexamethasone alone to dexamethasone plus propofol on postoperative vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods: In a randomized double‐blinded study, we evaluated 80 healthy children, aged 4–12 years, who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. After anesthesia was induced by inhalation of sevoflurane, 0.15 mg·kg^?1 dexamethasone and 2 μg·kg^?1 fentanyl was administered i.v. to all patients. The patients in the dexamethasone plus propofol group received 1 mg·kg^?1 propofol before intubation and continuously after intubation at a rate of 20 μg·kg^?1·min^?1 until the surgery was completed. Data for postoperative vomiting were grouped into the following time periods: 0–4 and 4–24 h. Data were analyzed using a Student’s t‐test and chi‐squared analysis. Results: The percentage of patients exhibiting a complete response (defined as no retching or vomiting for 24 h) increased from 37.5% in the dexamethasone‐alone group to 75% in the dexamethasone plus propofol group (P = 0.001). Twenty‐two patients (55%) in the dexamethasone‐alone and nine patients (22.5%) in the dexamethasone plus propofol groups experienced vomited during 0–4 h (P = 0.003). Eight patients in the dexamethasone‐alone group and three patients in the dexamethasone plus propofol group received ondansetron as a rescue antiemetic during the postoperative period. Conclusion: For children undergoing tonsillectomy, intraoperative subhypnotic propofol infusion combined with dexamethasone treatment provides a better prophylaxis against postoperative vomiting than does dexamethasone alone.     

Comparison of ondansetron with ondansetron and dexamethasone in prevention of PONV in diagnostic laparoscopy

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of ondansetron-dexamethasone combination with ondansetron alone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: This double blind, randomized study was carried out in 51 female patients, aged 20-40 yr, ASA-1 physical status undergoing gynecological diagnostic laparoscopy. Group 1 (n = 26) received 4 mg ondansetron i.v. and group 2 (n = 25) received a combination of 4 mg ondansetron and 8 mg dexamethasone i.v. soon after induction of anesthesia. Postoperatively patients were assessed hourly for four hours and then at 24 hr for nausea, vomiting, pain and post anesthetic discharge score. Vomiting occurring up to two hours was considered early vomiting and from 2-24 hr as delayed vomiting. RESULTS: The postoperative nausea score was lower in patients receiving a combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone (3.76) than ondansetron alone (4.38) at 0 hr (P < 0.01), 2 hr (P < 0.05) and 24 hr (P < 0.01). In group 1, 38.5% of patients had a nausea score of > or = 5 (major nausea) compared with only 12% of patients in group 2 (P < 0.025). The overall incidence of vomiting was greater in group 1 (35%) than in group 2 (8%) (P < 0.05). The combination group showed better control of delayed vomiting compared with the ondansetron group (4% vs 35%) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone provides adequate control of PONV, with delayed PONV being better controlled than early PONV.     

Combination of droperidol and ondansetron reduces PONV after pediatric strabismus surgery more than single drug therapy

BACKGROUND: Pediatric strabismus surgery is associated with a very high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting [(PONV) 44-88%]. Droperidol (10-75 microg kg(-1)) and ondansetron (50-150 microg kg(-1)) have shown variable success in reducing the incidence and severity of PONV. Combination of these two drugs has shown promising results. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of these two drugs in reducing the incidence and severity of PONV in pediatric strabismus surgery. METHODS: After institutional approval and parental informed consent, 240 children of ASA physical status I and II of either sex, aged 1-15 years were included in this study. None of the children received any premedication and a standardized anesthesia technique was used for all the children. They were prospectively randomized to one of the four treatment groups. Group PP received normal saline placebo intravenously after induction and at the end of the procedure. Group DP received droperidol 25 microg kg(-1) after induction and normal saline at the end. Group OP received ondansetron 150 microg kg(-1) after induction and saline at the end. Group DO received droperidol 15 microg kg(-1) after induction and ondansetron 100 microg kg(-1) at the end. RESULTS: Combination prophylaxis resulted in a lower incidence of PONV (13%) as compared to placebo (62.5%, P<0.001), ondansetron (37%, P<0.001), or droperidol (32%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Droperidol 15 microg kg(-1) in combination with ondansetron 100 microg kg(-1), administered at the induction and end of the operative procedure respectively, is more effective than either drug given individually in reducing the incidence of PONV after strabismus surgery.     

Prophylactic ondansetron in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting following pediatric strabismus surgery: a dose-response study

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the antiemetic effectiveness, dose-response, and clinical usefulness of prophylactic ondansetron in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children undergoing strabismus repair. METHOD: The authors observed 180 children, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, 2-12 yr of age, who were undergoing strabismus repair. After induction of anesthesia with halothane and nitrous oxide in oxygen or intravenous thiopental, children received either placebo (saline) or intravenous ondansetron in doses of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 /microg/kg (n = 30). The trachea was intubated and ventilation was controlled. Perioperative analgesic and fluid requirements were standardized. Episodes of nausea and vomiting were recorded for the first 24 h postoperatively. Data such as nonsurrogate (parental satisfaction scores and duration of postanesthesia care unit stay) and therapeutic (numbers needed to prevent and harm) outcome measures were collected. RESULTS: The incidences of PONV in the placebo and 25-, 50-, 75-, 100-, and 150-,microg/kg ondansetron groups were 83, 77, 47, 30, 30, and 27%, respectively. The incidence was less in the 75(P = 0.002), 100- (P = 0.002), and 150-microg/kg (P < 0.001) ondansetron groups compared with placebo. Duration of stay in the postanesthesia care unit was shorter in the 75-, 100-, and 150-microg/kg ondansetron groups (P < 0.002) compared with the placebo group. Parental assessment scores for the child's perioperative experience and the positive number needed to prevent PONV were also better and favorable in the 75-, 100-, and 150-microg/kg ondansetron groups compared with the placebo group. The incidence (P > 0.99) and severity (P = 0.63) of PONV were similar in the 75- and 150-microg/kg ondansetron groups. Surrogate, nonsurrogate, and therapeutic outcome measures revealed that 75 microg/kg ondansetron provided the same benefits as did 100 and 150 microg/kg. CONCLUSION: The routine prophylactic use of ondansetron at a dose of 75 microg/kg is as effective as 150 microg/kg in preventing PONV and improving the "true" outcome measures after strabismus repair in children.     

Prophylactic dexamethasone for postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric strabismus surgery: a dose ranging and safety evaluation study

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of different doses of prophylactic IV dexamethasone for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in 168 children (aged 2-15 yr) scheduled for strabismus surgery. Patients received IV dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg (D 0.25), 0.5 mg/kg (D 0.5), 1.0 mg/kg (D 1), or saline (S) immediately after induction of general anesthesia. Patients were discharged 24 h after surgery. Nausea and vomiting were assessed at 0-2, 2-6, and 6-24 h after surgery. Blood glucose was measured preoperatively and at 4 h after study drug administration. Wound healing and infection were assessed after 1 wk. More patients in group S had vomiting at 0-2, 2-6, and 6-24 h (P = 0.001, P = 0.003, and P = 0.04, respectively) and required larger doses of rescue antiemetics compared with the dexamethasone groups. Fewer patients in the dexamethasone groups (6, 3, and 6 in D 0.25, D 0.5, and D 1, respectively) had severe PONV compared with group S (P = 0.001). No significant increase in postoperative blood glucose levels was observed and wound healing was satisfactory in all four groups. The results suggest that dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg is more effective than saline and equally effective compared with larger doses for preventing PONV for pediatric strabismus surgery.     

Ondansetron, granisetron, and dexamethasone compared for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomies are associated with an appreciably high rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of ondansetron, granisetron, and dexamethasone for the prevention of PONV in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A total of 80 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical class I-II patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. All patients received a similar standardized anesthesia and operative treatment. Patients were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20 each). Group 1, consisting of control patients, received 0.9% NaCl; group 2 patients received ondansetron 4 mg i.v.; group 3 patients received granisetron 3 mg i.v.; and group 4 patients received dexamethasone 8 mg i.v., all before the induction of anesthesia. Both nausea and vomiting were assessed during the first 24 h after the procedure. RESULTS: The total incidence of PONV was 75% with placebo, 35% with ondansetron, 30% with granisetron, and 25% with dexamethasone. The incidence of PONV was significantly less frequent in groups receiving antiemetics (p < 0.05). The differences between dexamethasone, granisetron, and ondansetron were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. significantly reduced the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Dexamethasone 8 mg was as effective as ondansetron 4 mg and granisetron 3 mg, and it was more effective than placebo.     

The effect of combining dexamethasone with ondansetron for nausea and vomiting associated with fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia

We investigated whether combined dexamethasone and ondansetron is more effective than ondansetron alone in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients with fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. One hundred and thirty patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were assigned to either an ondansetron group or a dexamethasone and ondansetron group. In all patients, ondansetron 4 mg was administered at the end of surgery and 12 mg was added to the patient-controlled analgesia solution. The dexamethasone and ondansetron group received dexamethasone 8 mg at the induction of anaesthesia. The overall incidence of nausea and vomiting during the first 48 h postoperatively did not differ between groups (34/61 (56%) vs 28/62 (45%) in the ondansetron group and dexamethasone and ondansetron groups, respectively). The incidence of severe nausea and vomiting (≥ 7 nausea on an 11-point verbal numerical rating scale, retching or vomiting) was higher in the ondansetron group than in the dexamethasone and ondansetron group (15/61 (25%) vs 6/62 (10%, respectively, p=0.028). Combined dexamethasone and ondansetron is more effective in reducing severe nausea and vomiting than ondansetron alone in patients receiving fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia.     

地塞米松联合恩丹西酮对手术后病人自控镇痛相关恶心呕吐的影响

目的　观察地塞米松联合恩丹西酮对手术后病人自控镇痛 (PCA)所致恶心呕吐的防治效果。方法　随机将 2 0 0例在连续硬膜外麻醉下行下肢手术的患者分为四组 :对照 (C)组于手术切皮前 (T1)和手术结束时 (T2 )分别静脉注射生理盐水 2ml;地塞米松 (D)组于T1、T2 时分别注射地塞米松 10mg和生理盐水 2ml;恩丹西酮 (O)组于T1、T2 时分别注射生理盐水 2ml和恩丹西酮4mg ;地塞米松 +恩丹西酮 (D +O)组于T1、T2 时分别注射地塞米松 10mg和恩丹西酮 4mg。术毕均行病人自控静脉芬太尼镇痛 (PCIFA)。观察术后 2 4h内病人镇痛效果、镇静评分和恶心呕吐发生情况。结果　 5例患者因故退出此观察。组间镇痛效果、镇静评分无明显差异。C组恶心呕吐发生率为 5 2 1% ,明显高于D组 (33 3% )和O组 (32 7% ) ,P <0 0 5 ;D +O组恶心呕吐发生率为16 0 % ,与C组比较 ,P <0 0 1,与D组和O组比较 ,P <0 0 5 ;各处理组恶心程度均小于对照组 ,P <0 0 5 ;D +O组呕吐程度低于C组 ,P <0 0 5。结论　地塞米松与恩丹西酮单独应用均能有效地减少手术后PCIFA相关的恶心呕吐 ,减轻恶心程度 ;两药联合应用进一步降低患者的恶心呕吐发生率和呕吐的程度     

A comparison of dexamethasone,ondansetron, and dexamethasone plus ondansetron as prophylactic antiemetic and antipruritic therapy in patients receiving intrathecal morphine for major orthopedic surgery

In a prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial, we evaluated the efficacy of IV (a) dexamethasone 8 mg, (b) ondansetron 8 mg, and (c) dexamethasone 8 mg plus ondansetron 4 mg for the prevention of postoperative nausea, vomiting (PONV), and pruritus in 130 (ASA physical status I to III) patients undergoing elective major orthopedic surgery after spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine and intrathecal morphine. After spinal anesthesia, patients were randomized to one of three groups. Failure of PONV prophylaxis in the 24-h postoperative period occurred more frequently in patients who received dexamethasone alone (29 of 40; 73%) compared with those who received either ondansetron alone (23 of 47; 49%) (P = 0.02) or dexamethasone plus ondansetron together (19 of 43; 44%)(P = 0.01). There was no difference in the incidence of failure of prophylaxis of pruritus (70%, 72%, and 70% in dexamethasone 8 mg, ondansetron 8 mg, and dexamethasone 8 mg plus ondansetron 4 mg, respectively) (P > 0.1) in the 24-h postoperative period. We conclude that the administration of dexamethasone 8 mg with ondansetron 4 mg has no added benefit compared with ondansetron 8 mg alone in the prophylaxis of PONV and pruritus. IMPLICATIONS: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pruritus are common side effects after spinal opioid administration. In this study, dexamethasone 8 mg plus ondansetron 4 mg was as effective as ondansetron 8 mg. The administration of dexamethasone alone was associated with a frequent incidence of PONV, demonstrating a lack of efficacy. This has important cost implications.     

L'ondansétron oral réduit-il l'incidence des nausées et vomissements après chirurgie du strabisme chez l'enfant ?

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of oral ondansetron with oral metoclopramide for the prevention of postoperative vomiting and nausea in children undergoing strabismus surgery.Study designProspective, randomized, double-blind trial.PatientsThirty children of physical class 1, age 9 ± 4 years, scheduled for strabismus surgery, were randomized into two groups (ondansetron and metoclopramide).MethodsIn the ondansetron group, the children received the first oral dose of ondansetron (4 mg) 1 hour before induction of anaesthesia and the other doses 8 and 16 hours later. In the metoclopramide group, children received metoclopramide (5 mg) in the same conditions. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone, vecuronium and fentanyl and maintained with halothane and N₂O/O₂. Patients were evaluated by an independent observer for nausea and emesis in recovery room (0–2 h) and on the ward. The adverse effects of oral ondansetron and metoclopramide were assessed.ResultsThere were non-significant differences between the two groups for incidence of nausea and vomiting (40% and 53% in ondansetron group versus 33 and 60% in metoclopramide group, respectively).ConclusionUnlike intravenous ondansetron, oral ondansetron is not superior to metoclopramide for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by strabismus surgery in children.     

Haloperidol or droperidol with dexamethasone for antiemetic prophylaxis in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVES: To compare haloperidol to droperidol, both with dexamethasone, for antiemetic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized double-blind trial enrolling 75 ASA 1-2 patients who received anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. After induction, 8 mg of intravenous dexamethasone was administered. After surgery, depending on group assignment, patients received 10 microg x kg(-1) of intravenous haloperidol (n = 25), 10 microg x kg(-1) of droperidol (n = 25), or physiologic saline solution (n = 25). Outcomes recorded were episodes of nausea or vomiting in the postoperative period (first 6 hours and/or 6-24 hours), requirement for antiemetic agents, morphine consumption, pain assessed on a visual analog scale, level of sedation, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Five patients in the haloperidol group, 6 in the droperidol group, and 13 in the control group experienced an episode of nausea or vomiting in the 24-hour postoperative period (P < .05 between the active treatment groups and the control group). One patient in the haloperidol group, 6 in the droperidol group, and 8 in the control group reported nausea in the first 6 hours (P < .05). Three patients in the haloperidol group, 1 in the droperidol group, and 8 in the control group reported nausea in the later postoperative period (6-24 hours) (P < .05, droperidol vs control). Three patients in the haloperidol group, 1 in the droperidol group, and 7 in the control group experienced late vomiting (P < .05, droperidol vs control). CONCLUSIONS: Either haloperidol or droperidol in combination with dexamethasone is more effective than dexamethasone alone for antiemetic prophylaxis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Comparison of anti-emetic effects of ondansetron, metoclopromide or a combination of both in children undergoing surgery for strabismus

This prospective, randomized and double-blinded study was designed to evaluate the anti-emetic efficacy of a combination of ondansetron and metoclopramide in 100 ASA physical status I and II children of either sex and 1-15 years of age undergoing elective surgery for strabismus. A standardized anaesthetic technique and post-operative analgesia were used for all the children. Children were divided into four groups. They received saline, metoclopromide 250 micrograms kg-1, ondansetron 150 micrograms kg-1 or a combination of metoclopramide 150 micrograms kg-1 and ondansetron 100 micrograms kg-1 intravenously immediately after the insertion of an intravenous cannulae. There were no differences between the groups in their age, gender, weight, duration of surgery, number of muscles subjected to surgery or intravenous fluids received. In the first 24 post-operative hours, 18 (72%) patients in the placebo group, 15 (60%) patients in the metoclopramide group, 10 (40%) patients in the ondansetron group and 11 (44%) patients in the combination group had nausea or vomiting. The overall incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the combination group and in the ondansetron group compared with the placebo group. Nine (36%) patients in both the placebo and the metoclopramide groups and one (4%) patient in the ondansetron group required rescue anti-emetic treatment. None of the patients in the combination group required rescue anti-emetic and this was significantly less (P < 0.01) when compared with the placebo and the metoclopramide groups. Recovery and sedation scores were comparable in all the four groups. A combination of metoclopramide 150 micrograms kg-1 and ondansetron 100 micrograms kg-1 administered prior to surgery was not found to be more effective than ondansetron 150 micrograms kg-1 alone for the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting following surgical repair of strabismus in paediatric patients.     

Propofol-fentanyl anesthesia compared to thiopental-halothane with special reference to recovery and vomiting after pediatric strabismus surgery.

Forty-four children, ASA physical status I or II, aged 1.5-14 years and admitted for strabismus surgery, were studied. The study compared the postoperative condition after two different anesthesia methods. All children were premedicated with midazolam rectally, received glycopyrrolate i.v. and were then randomised to one of two anesthetic methods: 1) induction with thiopental, maintenance with halothane or 2) induction with propofol supplemented with fentanyl, maintenance with propofol infusion. In both groups, tracheal intubation was performed after vecuronium i.v. and the children were ventilated manually. Peroperatively, patients receiving propofol/fentanyl had more episodes of bradycardia (P less than 0.001). Times to spontaneous breathing and extubation were shorter in the propofol/fentanyl group (P less than 0.05) and there was also a lesser degree of sedation during the first 2 h postoperatively (P less than 0.01). Fewer children in the propofol/fentanyl group vomited postoperatively (P less than 0.05). The apprehension score was higher in the propofol/fentanyl group compared to the thiopental/halothane group (P less than 0.05). We conclude that children undergoing strabismus surgery anesthetized with propofol/fentanyl had more episodes of peroperative bradycardia, a lower incidence of postoperative vomiting and a shorter recovery time, and were more apprehensive during the initial postoperative period than children anesthetized with thiopental/halothane.     

Diclofenac and flurbiprofen with or without clonidine for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing elective ophthalmological surgery

We conducted a prospective, randomized study to compare the efficacy of preoperative diclofenac, flurbiprofen, and clonidine, given alone, as well as the combination of diclofenac and clonidine, and flurbiprofen and clonidine in controlling postoperative pain in 125 children. The patients (ASA I, 2-12 years) undergoing elective ophthalmological surgery were allocated to one of five groups: rectal diclofenac 2 mg.kg(-1) following oral placebo premedication, i. v. flurbiprofen 1 mg.kg(-1) following placebo premedication, oral clonidine premedication, rectal diclofenac 2 mg.kg(-1) following clonidine, and i.v. flurbiprofen 1 mg.kg(-1) following clonidine. The children received clonidine (4 microg.kg(-1)) or placebo 105 min before anaesthesia. Diclofenac or flurbiprofen was given immediately after induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Postoperative pain was assessed by a blinded observer using a modified objective pain scale (OPS). No opioids were administered throughout the study. Rectal diclofenac 2 mg.kg(-1) i.v. flurbiprofen 1 mg.kg(-1), oral clonidine 4 microg.kg(-1) provided similar OPS scores and requirement for supplementary analgesics during 12 h after surgery. Combination of oral clonidine and one of these nonsteroidal analgesics minimized postoperative pain. Our findings suggest that this combined regimen may be a promising prophylactic approach to postoperative pain control in children undergoing ophthalmological surgery.     

The effect of remifentanil or fentanyl on postoperative vomiting and pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery

Postoperative vomiting (POV) after strabismus surgery in children results in discomfort and prolonged hospital stays. Opioids increase the incidence of POV. Remifentanil has a context-sensitive half-life of 3 to 4 min, and how this short half-life influences POV in those patients is unknown. We conducted a prospective, double-blinded study in 81 ASA status I or II children from 2 to 12 yr of age undergoing elective strabismus surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized to receive either remifentanil (bolus 1 microg/kg; infusion 0.1-0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) or fentanyl (2 microg/kg, and 1 microg/kg every 45 min). POV episodes were recorded for 25 h. Pain scores were obtained by using an objective pain scale for 60 min during recovery. The number of patients who experienced POV did not differ significantly between groups (49% vs 48%). However, in the Remifentanil group, POV episodes were significantly less frequent (0.95 vs 2.2 episodes). In contrast, fentanyl was associated with lower pain scores during the first 30 min of recovery. We conclude that children undergoing strabismus surgery under balanced anesthesia with remifentanil, compared with fentanyl, showed less frequent POV. However, early postoperative analgesia was better with fentanyl. IMPLICATIONS: Opioids increase the incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV). Remifentanil is characterized by the shortest half-life of all opioids used in anesthetic practice. Therefore, we studied the effect of remifentanil on POV compared with the longer-acting opioid fentanyl in children undergoing strabismus surgery.     

Dexamethasone versus ondansetron in combination with dexamethasone for the prophylaxis of postoperative vomiting in pediatric outpatients: a double‐blind,randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Objectives: To determine the frequency of postoperative vomiting (POV) in children submitted to outpatient surgery and to compare the efficacy of antiemetic drugs in preventing this complication. Background: Nausea and vomiting are common in the immediate postoperative period following anesthetic and surgical procedures. Compared to adults, pediatric patients are more likely to develop postoperative nausea and vomiting, the incidence of which ranges from 8.9% to 42%. Methods: This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial included 129 children. The participants were randomized into three prophylactic treatment groups: dexamethasone (n = 43), ondansetron in combination with dexamethasone (n = 44), and placebo (n = 42). The variables studied were the frequency of POV and the incidence of vomiting after the patient had been discharged from hospital, the need for antiemetic rescue therapy in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), need for hospitalization, and the time the patient remained in the PACU. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: Postoperative vomiting occurred in 12.4% of the children, with no statistically significant difference between the groups: 6.8% in the group receiving ondansetron combined with dexamethasone, 14.3% in the placebo group, and 14% in the group that received dexamethasone alone (P = 0.47). Furthermore, no significant difference was found between the groups with respect to the time the children remained in the PACU, and only five patients reported having vomited following discharge from hospital. Conclusions: The prophylactic use of antiemetic drugs failed to reduce the incidence of POV in pediatric outpatient surgery with a low emetic potential; therefore, routine prophylaxis may be unnecessary.