Ethnic variation in fluorescein angiography induced nausea and vomiting.
OBJECTIVE
A prospective survey was undertaken to investigate ethnic variations in the frequency of nausea and vomiting after fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA).


METHODS
Between May and September 1998, 197 adult patients were recruited to the study. A questionnaire containing closed-ended questions was completed by nurses after each FFA and a questionnaire was given to patients to complete 5 hours after the procedure at home. Patients' anxiety level was measured before FFA using a 5-item ordinal response scale.


RESULTS
Results indicate that patients from black, Asian, Chino-Asian and mixed ethnic origins are significantly more likely to vomit and feel nauseous immediately after the administration of fluorescein dye. Patients with a history of nausea after FFA are significantly more likely to feel nauseous again after repeat FFA.


CONCLUSIONS
Ethnic origin and a previous history of nausea and vomiting appear to be important factors in FFA-induced nausea and vomiting. The results of this study have led the investigators to develop a protocol for the prophylactic treatment of nausea and vomiting following FFA.
McLauchlan
R
R
Retinal Medical Unit, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK.
Waterman
H
H
Waterman
C
C
Hillier
V
V
Dodd
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000208:ethnology; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000208:ethnology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000208:ethnology*
D005452:Fluoresceins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes