Efficacy of palonosetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of palonosetron, the latest 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) during the first 72 h after operation.

METHODS:

In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 204 healthy inpatients who were undergoing elective surgery with general anaesthesia were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: the palonosetron group (palonosetron 0.075 mg i.v.; n=102) and the placebo group (normal saline i.v.; n=102). The treatments were given after the induction of anaesthesia. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, severity of nausea, and the use of rescue anti-emetics during the first 72 h after surgery were evaluated.

RESULTS:

The incidence of PONV was lower in the palonosetron group compared with the placebo group during the 0-24 h (33% vs 47%) and 0-72 h period (33% vs 52%) (P<0.05), but not during the 24-72 h postoperative period (6% vs 11%). The incidence of nausea was also significantly lower in the palonosetron group than in the placebo group during the 0-24 and 0-72 h period (P<0.05), but not during the 24-72 h postoperative period. However, there were no significant differences in the incidence of vomiting, and the use of rescue anti-emetics between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Palonosetron 0.075 mg i.v. effectively reduced the incidence of PONV during the first 72 h after operation, with most of the reduction occurring in the first 24 h.

• Authors: H R Chun, I S Jeon, S Y Park, S J Lee, S H Kang, S I Kim
• Journal: British journal of anaesthesia (Br J Anaesth) Vol. 112 Issue 3 Pg. 485-90 (Mar 2014) ISSN: 1471-6771 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24154700 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antiemetics
• Isoquinolines
• Quinuclidines
• Palonosetron

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antiemetics (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Isoquinolines (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Palonosetron
• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Quinuclidines (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Risk Assessment
• Sample Size
• Surgical Procedures, Operative
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult