Management of postoperative nausea and vomiting in children.

Abstract

In spite of improvements in anesthesia techniques, the 'big little problem' of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) still exists. PONV can prolong recovery room stay and hospitalization, and is one of the most common causes of hospital readmission after day surgery. While there is little evidence to support prophylactic administration of antiemetics in patients at low risk of PONV, the higher risk population could benefit from the use of adequate antiemetic drugs. A wide variety of pharmacological approaches have been reported to be effective, as well as some nonpharmacological approaches. Antiemetic drugs available to treat or prevent PONV include phenothiazines, antihistamines, anticholinergics, benzamides, butyrophenones and 5-HT(3) antagonists. Since available drugs still present undesired adverse effects and are not completely able to control PONV, clinical investigations are ongoing for more effective and better tolerated agents; indeed, the ideal antiemetic drug might be cost-effective for routine use.

• Authors: Pasquale De Negri, Giorgio Ivani
• Journal: Paediatric drugs (Paediatr Drugs) Vol. 4 Issue 11 Pg. 717-28 ( 2002) ISSN: 1174-5878 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 12390043 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Antiemetics
• Histamine Antagonists
• Serotonin Antagonists

Topics

• Acupuncture Therapy
• Adolescent
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Antiemetics (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Female
• Histamine Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (prevention & control)
• Serotonin Antagonists (therapeutic use)