title: Use of antiemetic agents in acute gastroenteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether taking antiemetic drugs reduces vomiting and decreases the need for further intervention in children with gastroenteritis without causing significant adverse effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Computerized databases, reference lists, and expert recommendations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective controlled trials evaluating medication use in children with vomiting from gastroenteritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Antiemetic drug therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Emesis cessation, use of intravenous fluid for rehydration, hospital admission, return to care, and medication adverse effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 11 articles that met the inclusion criteria evaluated various antiemetic agents: ondansetron (n = 6), domperidone (n = 2), trimethobenzamide (n = 2), pyrilamine-pentobarbital (n = 2), metoclopramide (n = 2), dexamethasone (n = 1), and promethazine (n = 1). Meta-analysis of 6 randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trials of ondansetron demonstrated decreased risk of further vomiting (5 studies; relative risk [RR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.62; number needed to treat [NNT] = 5), reduced need for intravenous fluid (4 studies; RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.28-0.62; NNT = 5), and decreased risk of immediate hospital admission (5 studies; RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95; NNT = 14). Diarrheal episodes increased in ondansetron-treated patients in 3 studies. Ondansetron use did not significantly affect return to care (5 studies; RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.77-2.35).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ondansetron therapy decreases the risk of persistent vomiting, the use of intravenous fluid, and hospital admissions in children with vomiting due to gastroenteritis. Future treatment guidelines should incorporate ondansetron therapy for select children with gastroenteritis.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Education Office, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Campus Box 7593, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. lcr7n@alumni.virginia.edu
authors.forename: Lisa Ross
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: DeCamp
authors.forename: Julie S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Byerley
authors.forename: Nipa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Doshi
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Steiner