Prophylactic ondansetron is effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting but not on pruritus after cesarean delivery with intrathecal sufentanil-morphine.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of ondansetron for prevention of pruritus, nausea and vomiting after cesarean delivery with intrathecal sufentanil-morphine.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Referral center, institutional practice.


METHODS
100 nonbreastfeeding women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with sufentanil-morphine-bupivacaine anesthesia.


METHODS
After the umbilical cord was clamped, patients in Group 1 received ondansetron 8 mg intravenously (IV) and patients in Group 2 received placebo.


METHODS
Frequency and severity of postoperative (24-hour) pruritus, nausea and vomiting, surgical pain, and side effects related to ondansetron were recorded.


RESULTS
In the ondansetron group, 38 patients had pruritus (16 mild and 22 severe) and 9 patients had nausea and vomiting (5 mild and 4 severe). In the placebo group, 41 patients had pruritus (21 mild and 20 severe) and 29 patients had nausea and vomiting (9 mild and 15 severe). The frequency and severity of the nausea and vomiting episodes were significantly reduced in the ondansetron group. Pain scores were comparable between groups. No side effects related to ondansetron were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic IV ondansetron 8 mg is safe and effective in reducing the frequency and the severity of nausea and vomiting, but not pruritus, following cesarean delivery with intrathecal sufentanil-morphine.
Yazigi
Alexandre
A
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Chalhoub
Viviane
V
Madi-Jebara
Samia
S
Haddad
Fadia
F
Hayek
Gemma
G
D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D009020:Morphine / Q000009:adverse effects; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011537:Pruritus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017409:Sufentanil / Q000009:adverse effects
D000932:Antiemetics; D017294:Ondansetron; D009020:Morphine; D017409:Sufentanil; D002045:Bupivacaine