Subcutaneous levomepromazine rescue (SLR) for high grade delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis (DCIE).
BACKGROUND
Delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis (DCIE) has significant patient and health economic impact. Up to 50% of patients on chemotherapy may develop DCIE. There is no accepted standard of care for DCIE.


METHODS
A prospective observational study of patients with high grade DCIE needing admission to hospital over a 2-year period. Single cycle delayed anti-emetic failure (DAF) per patient is reported. Twenty-five mg/24 hours subcutaneous levomepromazine rescue (SLR) was used. Control of nausea and vomiting was recorded in 2 time-periods: 0 to 24 hours and 24 to 48 hours.


RESULTS
Thirty-two patients (12 male, 20 female) required SLR. Median age 58 years (r. 35-76). Grade 0 nausea and vomiting (N and V) was attained within 24 hours in 75% and 81% of patients, respectively, and in 94% of patients for both by 48 hours. Side-effects of sedation and hypotension were mild.


CONCLUSIONS
Levomepromazine has efficacious anti-emetic qualities in the rescue of patients with high grade DCIE needing hospital admission.
Academic Department of Oncology, Princess Royal Hospital, Saltshouse Road, Hull HU8 9HE, East Yorkshire, U.K.
H L
HL
McCabe
A
A
Maraveyas
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008728:Methotrimeprazine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008728:Methotrimeprazine