title: Incidence and duration of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in the outpatient oncology population.
abstract: Nausea and vomiting are commonly recognized side effects of chemotherapy. However, the incidence and duration of these effects have not been systematically studied in a large outpatient oncology population. This survey was conducted over two consecutive 6-week periods in the adult oncology clinics of two university teaching hospitals. The objectives were: (1) to document the incidence and duration of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; (2) to identify variables that influence nausea and vomiting; and (3) to describe patterns of antiemetic prescribing and compliance. One hundred thirty-eight completed patient-maintained diaries were returned (70% response rate). Anticipatory nausea and vomiting were reported by 9.4% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. Fifty percent and 27% of patients reported nausea and vomiting, respectively, on the day chemotherapy was administered (day 1: acute nausea and vomiting phase). Percentages fell to 22% and 11% by day three and 14% and 2.5% on day 5. Of patients who reported nausea and vomiting during the five-day period, 52% and 33% experienced nausea and vomiting, respectively, during the delayed period only (days 2 through 5: delayed emesis phase). Emetogenicity of chemotherapy significantly influenced incidence and duration of those symptoms. Sixty-seven percent of patients reported taking antiemetics on one or more days during the survey period. Of patients who reported antiemetic use, 92% reported antiemetics on day 1, 51% on day 3, and 31% on day 5. At-home antiemetic use was related to the emetogenicity of chemotherapy received. Patients who receive moderate to strong emetogens as defined in this report should receive antiemetic therapy for a minimum of three days. Increasing the dose of antiemetic prescribed both in the clinic and at home may be of benefit.
authors: School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27514.
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: Lindley
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bernard
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Fields
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010045:Outpatients; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012646:Self Administration; D013997:Time Factors; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000932:Antiemetics