Publication:

A comparative clinical study of ondansetron and dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients undergoing intra abdominal surgery

Background This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intravenous ondansetron and dexamethasone for prevention of post-operative vomiting in pediatric patients whom underwent intra-abdominal surgery at Indira Gandhi institute of medical sciences, Patna.

Methods A total of 40 eligible patients were included in the study. There were 20 patients in group 1 whom received i.v ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg), and 20 patients in group 2 received i.v Dexamethasone (1mg/kg) one minute prior to the induction of anaesthesia. Episodes of postoperative vomiting within first 24 hours of anaesthesia and thereafter in postoperative ward at different intervals was observed and recorded.

Results Complete control of PONV (no emesis, no rescue treatment for 24 hours after administration of study agent) was achieved in 40% of cases in group I, in 42.25% of cases in group II, mild PONV was achieved in 7.5% of cases in group I, in 5.0% of cases in group II, moderate PONV was achieved in 2.5% of cases in group I, in 2.5% of cases in group II, and severe PONV was not found in any of the two group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups1and 2 in terms of baseline characteristics and postoperative managements. Frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting experiences were similar between the groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions Single dose ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg and dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg, given intravenously are equally effective agents for the control of PONV. Both drugs for the same indication do not seem to increase the antiemetic efficacy.