title: Effects of ondansetron on postoperative emesis in Chinese children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Postoperative nausea together with vomiting (PONV) is a common adverse effect of general anesthesia. Ondansetron, a new serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) receptor antagonist of the subtype 3 is shown to be effective and safe in the prophylaxis and treatment of PONV. However, the clinical experiences of using ondansetron for prevention of PONV is lacking in Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ondansetron for prevention of PONV in Chinese children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty pediatric patients aged from 2 to 12 years undergoing herinorrhaphy were prospectively randomized to receive either ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg or saline placebo. All patients received general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. The parents of patients were educated how to record the episodes of postoperative emesis and other complications and answer questions in the form of questionnaire. The observation period lasted for 24 h postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of postoperative emesis was 55% and 10% in placebo and ondansetron group respectively. As to the severity of emetic symptoms it was milder in the ondansetron group. There was no difference in the incidence of other complications between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intravenous administration of ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg is safe and effective in reducing postoperative emesis in Chinese children undergoing herinorrhaphy surgery.
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: S Z
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chao
authors.forename: Y G
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Cherng
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000932:Antiemetics; D017294:Ondansetron