title: Prophylactic antiemetics in children undergoing tonsillectomy: high-dose vs low-dose ondansetron.
abstract: This randomized, double-blind study assessed the impact of two different doses of intraoperative ondansetron on vomiting following tonsillectomy in 240 preadolescent children in a day care surgical setting. After anaesthesia was established by inhalation with N2O/ halothane or intravenously with propofol, the subjects were administered the study drug (50 or 150 micrograms.kg-1 ondansetron, maximum dose 8 mg). Anaesthesia was maintained with N2O/ halothane. The greater dose of ondansetron (150 micrograms.kg-1) had a lower incidence (36% vs 52%) of postoperative vomiting (P = 0.01). In-hospital emesis was not a problem with only 14% of the subjects vomiting. Eight patients sought medical attention for vomiting after discharge from hospital. In-conclusion, 150 micrograms.kg-1 ondansetron is a more effective prophylactic antiemetic than 50 micrograms.kg-1 ondansetron among children undergoing elective tonsillectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Splinter
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Rhine
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011292:Premedication; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000932:Antiemetics; D017294:Ondansetron