Use Of Antiemetics Research Articles

Reduction in Opiate Use, Pain, Nausea, and Length of Stay After Implementation of a Bariatric Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol.

Evaluate adherence to bariatric surgery enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases, and to compare opiate use, nausea control, and length of stay (LOS) versus historical controls. A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate adherence to ERAS protocols and compare opiate and antiemetic use, pain intensity, and LOS versus those of traditional care (TC) patients preceding protocol implementation at Erie County Medical Center, a community-based hospital in Buffalo, NY, USA. One hundred ERAS and TC patients were compared. Patients were similar in age (42.5 years), gender (female, ~ 80%), race (~ 80 white), and BMI (47 kg/m2). The primary procedure performed was sleeve gastrectomy (89% ERAS, 86% TC). Protocol adherence was high for ERAS phases: prior to admission (85-98%), pre-operative (96-100%), operative (93-99%), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (55-61%), and floor (86-98%). Opiate morphine milligram equivalent (MME) was reduced in ERAS vs. TC in hospital by 73% (43.5 ± 42.4 vs. 160 ± 116; p < 0.001), discharge prescribing by 53% (34.8 ± 38.2 vs. 74 ± 125 MME; p = 0.003), and in total by 69% (78.3 ± 67.5 vs. 252 ± 160; p < 0.001). Despite lower opiate use, ERAS had lower pain intensity entering PACU (1.1 ± 1.8 vs. 1.9 ± 2.6; p < 0.011), leaving PACU (1.7 ± 1.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.5; p < 0.001), and floor day 0 (5.0 ± 2.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.8; p < 0.001). Fewer ERAS required antiemetic day 0 (63% vs. 94%; p < 0.001). ERAS were discharged in fewer hours than TC (41.1 ± 15.5 vs. 52.1 ± 18.9 h; p < 0.001). Bariatric surgery ERAS protocols were implemented with a high rate of adherence and yielded profound reduction in operative and post-operative opiate use while improving pain control and nausea management in hospital and decreasing LOS.

Ultrasound-guided bilateral subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy: a randomised-controlled double-blinded study.

The effectiveness of subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery is unknown. We aimed to investigate its opioid-sparing and pain-relief effects in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. One hundred and twelve patients undergoing elective laparoscopic gastrectomy were randomised to the TAPB or control group. The TAPB group received ultrasound-guided bilateral subcostal TAPB at the end of surgery, while the control group did not. We investigated fentanyl consumption administered via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and as a rescue analgesic, the numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores at rest and during coughing, and the opioid-related side effects at 6, 12, 24, and 48h postoperatively. The primary outcome was cumulative fentanyl consumption at 24h postoperatively. The study included 53 patients in each group. The cumulative fentanyl consumption 24h postoperatively was significantly lower in the TAPB group than in the control group (median difference -170 mcg, P = 0.03, 95% CI -360 to -15 mcg). Subcostal TAPB also significantly reduced the resting NRS score at 48h postoperatively (median difference -1, 95% CI -1 to 0, P = 0.01) and coughing NRS score at all time points (all median difference -1, 95% CI -2 to 0, P < 0.01, P =0.02, 0.01, and 0.01, respectively). However, it did not reduce the occurrence of opioid-related side effects, except the use of antiemetics during the first 6h postoperatively (TAPB, 1.9% vs. Control, 15.1%, P = 0.03). Ultrasound-guided bilateral subcostal TAPB provides efficient postoperative analgesia with an opioid-sparing effect after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Abstract PS13-11: Oral paclitaxel and encequidar (oPac+E) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (mBC): Management of gastrointestinal adverse events (GI AE). Study KX-ORAX-001

Abstract Background: There is a need for more effective and less toxic treatments for patients with mBC. Patients may prefer oral vs IV cytotoxic therapies to avoid frequent hospital visits. In addition, oral therapies allow frequent or metronomic dosing regimens which may alter the toxicity or activity profile of agents vs infrequent IV administration. oPac+E is oral paclitaxel combination with Encequidar, a specific, minimally absorbed, oral p-glycoprotein inhibitor that facilitates the absorption of oral paclitaxel. mBC patients who received oPac+E had significantly greater confirmed tumor response and longer survival with lower rates and severity of neuropathy but increased GI AE compared to IV paclitaxel (IVPac) (Study KX-ORAX-001 presented at SABCS, 2019, Abstract # GS6-01). Methods: Study KX-ORAX-001 was a phase III, randomized, study in women with mBC for whom treatment with IVPac was recommended. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive oPac+E or IVPac. Patients continued treatment until discontinuation due to progressive disease or toxicity. oPac 205 mg/m2 was given once daily for 3 days weekly. E 12.9 mg was given 1 hour before each dose of oPac. IVPac 175 mg/m2 was infused over 3 hours every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was efficacy defined as tumor response confirmed by BICR at two consecutive evaluations. Key secondary endpoints included PFS, OS. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Results: All IVPac patients received high-dose dexamethasone and antihistamine premedication, which have significant anti-emetic activity and may have received additional anti-emetic agents as needed. The protocol did not allow any prophylaxis for GI AE for oPac+E patients nor were they to receive predose corticosteroids, nor antihistamines. The protocol was amended after approximately 30% of patients were enrolled to allow prophylactic anti-emetic medications for patients randomized to oPac+E. Patients were also given loperamide to take at home and were instructed to initiate loperamide with the onset of diarrhea. The rates of Grade ≥2, vomiting and diarrhea for patients treated with IVPac, the patients treated with oPac+E prior to after the amendment are summarized in the table below. Prophylactic anti-emetic therapy and early use of loperamide markedly decreased the incidence of ≥Grade 2 vomiting and diarrhea although there was a greater incidence than IVPac. The most frequently prescribed anti-emetic agents for oPac+E treated patients were ondansetron (54%), metoclopramide (21%), domperidone (4%) and aprepitant (3%). For patients randomized to IVPac, the most frequently prescribed agents were ondanesteron (59%), granisetron (24%), palenosetron (7%) and aprepitant (2%). Oral administration of the oral NK1 inhibitor aprepitant appeared to be associated with increased incidence of oral paclitaxel systemic toxicity, potentially due to inhibition of metabolism of oPac by cytochrome P450 3A4. Conclusions: oPac+E was associated with greater efficacy in the treatment of mBC and lower rates and severity of peripheral neuropathy, but increased GI AE compared to IVPac 175mg/m2. GI AE in oPac+E treated patients can be managed by prophylactic use of anti-emetics, primarily 5-HT3 inhibitors and early intervention with the anti-diarrhea agent loperamide. The use of the oral NK1 inhibitor aprepitant in combination with oPac+E is not recommended.(NTC02594371) IVPacoPac+E Pre-AmendmentoPac+E Post AmendmentGrade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Vomiting4%1%0%24%7%0%7%4%0%Diarrhea7%1%0%27%9%0%16%3%0.5% Citation Format: H S Rugo, G Umanzor, F J Barrios, R H Vasallo, M A Chivalan, S Bejarano, J R Ramirez, L Fein, R D Kowalyszyn, D L Cutler, D Kramer, J Goldfinch, H Wang, T Moore, R MF Kwan. Oral paclitaxel and encequidar (oPac+E) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (mBC): Management of gastrointestinal adverse events (GI AE). Study KX-ORAX-001 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS13-11.

Dexamethasone decreases postoperative opioid and antiemetic use in shoulder arthroplasty patients: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Multimodal pain control can be beneficial in relieving postoperative pain and limiting narcotic use following orthopedic procedures. Additionally, with increasing interest in outpatient arthroplasty procedures, providers have interest in adequate early postoperative pain control and complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of stay following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). One hundred twelve patients undergoing TSA or RTSA by a single surgeon were assessed for inclusion in this investigation. We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of 10 mg of dexamethasone administered within 90 minutes of surgery. Primary outcome assessed was the average morphine equivalent use over the first 24 hours postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, antiemetic use, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and complications. A total of 75 patients were included in the final analysis, with 32 patients (42.7%) randomized to the control group and 43 (57.3%) randomized to the dexamethasone group. Body mass index was significantly greater in the control group (33.8 vs. 30.3, P = .014); otherwise, there were no significant demographic differences between groups. Average ondansetron use was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group compared with controls for the 0- to 4-hour interval (0.1 vs. 0.9 mg, respectively, P = .006) and was lower overall for the first 24 hours (0.3 vs. 1.0 mg, P = .025). Differences in VAS scores were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group at all time points (P < .05 for all). The average VAS score over the 24-hour period for the dexamethasone group was also significantly lower than the controls (3 vs. 6, P < .001). Morphine equivalent use was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group compared with controls at 12-16 hours (1.7 vs. 4.0 mg, respectively, P = .004) and at 16-20 hours (1.7 vs. 3.4 mg, respectively, P = .006). When averaged over the first 24 hours, morphine equivalent was also significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (16.1 vs. 25.4 mg, P = .007). There was no significant difference in glucose control or complications between groups. Dexamethasone decreases opioid requirements in the first 24 hours following surgery, provides improved pain control, and decreases antiemetic use following shoulder arthroplasty. Dexamethasone is an important multimodal adjunct for controlling pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting following primary TSA.

Effects of preoperative, scheduled administration of antiemetics in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

There is no established protocol regarding the timing of administration of antiemetics in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative, rather than postoperative administration of an antiemetic could reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing TKA, and whether there was a difference in postoperative pain, patient satisfaction and complications after TKA between the 2 different administration times.The included patients (N = 101) either received intravenous administration of the ramosetron 1 hour before surgery (N = 50) or at the end of surgery (N = 51) consecutively order. The incidence of PONV and the frequency of rescue medicine use were recorded until 48 hours postoperatively. The severity of postoperative pain and patient satisfaction were assessed using the visual analogue scale. The incidence of complications associated with use of antiemetic was assessed.Preoperative administration of ramosetron did not decrease PONV during the first 48 hours. There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting, use of rescue antiemetics, and the severity of nausea (P > .05). Postoperative pain, satisfaction scores, and the incidence of complications were not different between the 2 groups (P > .05).Preoperative administration of ramosetron did not show clinical advantage in reducing POVN, postoperative pain and improving patient satisfaction. However, the outcomes of complications were not inferior to those of postoperative administration. Therefore, under the current protocol of multimodal therapies, timing of administration of pre-emptive antiemetic did not have significant effect on PONV.

Postoperative anesthesia for vitreoretinal surgery in children

Vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachments in children is an effective, sometimes the only method to restore vision. As practice shows, the use of minimally invasive regional techniques is increasingly used for combined anesthesia in ophthalmic surgery in children. In the postoperative period, the use of blockades can provide prolonged analgesia, thereby improving the childs comfort level after the surgery. All types of blockades in ophthalmology have certain risks, but the pterygopalatine blockade has not any, since it is performed outside the eye structures. The research of the use of the pterygopalatine blockade after surgery in children is important not only for creating prolonged analgesia, but also for reducing vegetative reactions that can complicate the recovery period.&#x0D; Purposeof the study isto increase the pain management efficacy in the postoperative period in children who have undergone extensive surgery for retinal detachment.&#x0D; Materials and methods. 1st group (n= 32) received postoperative analgesia pterygopalatine blockage with ropivacaine 0.5%, 2nd group (n= 28) systemic analgesia. Changes in hemodynamics and stress index in the postoperative period were evaluated. Cortisol levels in the intensive care unit was evaluated in 2 hours later. The time and frequency use of antiemetics in the occurrence of PONV were recorded. The level of patients comfort after surgery and the pain intensity were evaluated on an integral scale and on the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) in points.&#x0D; Results.The children of 1st group did not have significant changes in heart rate and SBP in the intensive care unit. In group 1, the TI decreased by 13.2% in the intensive care unit, and in group 2, the TI increased by 28.5% after 2 hours and by 88.6% after 8 hours. 2 hours after the surgery pain was 2 points in 12.5% of the patients (1st group) and 39.2% of patients (2nd group). After 8 hours, 35.7% of patients (2nd group) reported moderate pain that required medication. There were no PONV in group 1, and it occured in 28.5% of patients in group 2. In group 1, 75% of children rated the postoperative period as comfortable, and in group 2 21.4% (p 0,05).&#x0D; Conclusion. Pterygopalatine blockade as the main method of postoperative analgesia in the early postoperative period has got a long-term analgesic effect, reducing the frequency of nausea and vomiting, improving the quality of the postoperative period in children.

The characteristics and risk factors of the postoperative nausea and vomiting in female patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic gynecological surgeries: a propensity score matching analysis.

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in matched patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic gynecological surgeries (LGS) and investigate the main cause of the high occurrence of PONV in bariatric surgeries. Medical records of female patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 undergoing LSG or LGS from January 1, 2016 to September 1, 2020 were reviewed for PONV episodes in the first postoperative 48 hours. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was performed between cases subject to the two types of surgery, and PONV rates were compared. A total of 278 patients met the inclusion criteria (LSG = 101, LGS = 177), and 74 matched subjects were selected from each group after PSM. An increased occurrence of PONV was noted in female patients with LSG compared with those undergoing LGS (66.2% vs. 23.0%; p<0.001). PONV severity was significantly worse in the LSG (p<0.001), and more frequent use of rescue antiemetics was detected in the LSG group compared with the LGS group (51.4% vs. 17.6%; p<0.001). The time of the first use of rescue drugs was much earlier in the LGS group (p = 0.034). Female patients undergoing LSG are at increased risk of PONV compared with those with LGS, indicating a critical role of procedure-related alterations of gastric physiology in the high occurrence of PONV after bariatric surgery.

Prevalence and risk factors of post-operative nausea and vomiting in a tertiary-care hospital: A cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundPost-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is an unpleasant and one of the most distressing symptoms for any patient undergoing surgery. The anaesthetist is usually blamed, despite evidence that PONV results from a variety of factors including patient characteristics, anaesthetic techniques, and the type of surgery and post-operative care. This study had been conducted to find out the current prevalence and to assess various risk factors for PONV in the Indian population. MethodsAll patients above 18 years undergoing non-cardiac surgery under anaesthesia were selected from the daily operation theatre list by a systematic random sampling method. Koivuranta score was used to predict PONV in first 24 h post-operatively. ResultsPrevalence of PONV in the study population was found to be 25.6%. There was association detected between female gender, non-smokers and occurrence of PONV (CI 95%, p ≤ 0.001, 0.005, respectively). PONV was seen to be more common in patients with history of PONV in prior surgeries, in patients who underwent surgery under general anaesthesia and in patients where opioids were used in the post-operative period (95% CI, p ≤ 0.001, 0.001 and 0.001 respectively). General, laparoscopic, abdominal, orthopaedic, obstetric, breast and urological surgeries showed a significant association with occurrence of PONV (95% CI, p ≤ 0.05). ConclusionInspite of use of antiemetics (single or dual) being given as part of the institutional protocol, the incidence of PONV was still high. There is a need to update our knowledge regarding newer antiemetics and their inclusion in PONV management guidelines. There is need for further research to study various other possible risk factors which may contribute to occurrence of PONV.

Continuous local bupivacaine wound infusion reduces oral opioid use for acute postoperative pain control following myelomeningocele repair

For pregnancies complicated by fetal myelomeningocele who meet the established criteria, prenatal closure is a viable management option. Prenatal closure is an open procedure, with some techniques requiring greater dissection of maternal tissue than cesarean delivery; pain control is an important postoperative goal. Given the rising rates of opioid dependence and concerns regarding the fetal and neonatal effects of opioid use, our practice has turned to nonopioid pain management techniques. This study aimed to compare postoperative opioid use and pain scores in women undergoing open fetal myelomeningocele repair with and without continuous local bupivacaine wound infusion. This was a retrospective, single-center chart review of all consecutive patients who underwent open myelomeningocele repair from March 2013 to December 2019. Women were enrolled at the time of referral and locally followed for 2 weeks postoperatively. The control group received patient-controlled epidural analgesia for 48 hours with acetaminophen and oral and intravenous opioids as needed. The treatment group received patient-controlled epidural analgesia for 24 hours with acetaminophen, oral and intravenous opioids, and continuous local bupivacaine infusion. Pain scores, medication use, and postoperative milestones and complications through discharge were abstracted from the chart and compared. Of 72 subjects, 51 were in the control group and 21 in the treatment group. Total opioid use, including intravenous doses (165 vs 52.5 mg; P=.001) and daily average oral opioid use (30 vs 10.5 mg; P=.002) were lower in the treatment group. In addition, 24% of women in the treatment group used no opioid postoperatively, compared with 4% in the control group. There was no difference in postoperative day 1 to 4 pain scores, antiemetic use, or bowel function; the treatment group was discharged significantly earlier. Postoperative opioid use was reduced in women who received continuous local wound infusion of bupivacaine for incisional pain control after prenatal myelomeningocele repair. Pain control is paramount following open myelomeningocele repair; local bupivacaine wound infusion is an important adjunct to reduce opioid use postoperatively.

PMU48 Trends in Antiemetic Use in Hematology-Oncology Based on Cancerology DATA in France

PMU48 Trends in Antiemetic Use in Hematology-Oncology Based on Cancerology DATA in France

Palonosetron versus ondansetron for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting following craniotomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common adverse event that may occur in as many as 80% of high-risk patients after general anesthesia. Intracranial neurosurgery, especially infratentorial type, is considered as an additional PONV risk factor. We performed our study to compare antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron versus palonosetron for prevention of PONV in patients undergoing elective neurosurgery for intracranial tumors remove. Methods80 patients 18 to 80 years of age with ASA physical status I or II underwent elective neurosurgery for intracranial tumor removal under general anesthesia were randomized into two groups in 1:1 ratio to receive ondansetron (8 mg) or palonosetron (0.075 mg). Each group included two equal subgroups based on the type of procedure: supratentorial and infratentorial. In both subgroups we provided IV anesthesia based on propofol. Both antiemetic drugs were given intravenously before closing the dura mater. In most patients dexamethasone 8 mg for PONV prevention was also used. Incidence of PONV in 48 hours period after surgery as primary outcome was evaluated. PONV scale was used for assessment at 30 min, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after extubation postoperatively. Patient-related risk factors for PONV, intervention characteristics, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at 30 min, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after extubation postoperatively, rate of rescue antiemetic drug use were also recorded. ResultsThe final analysis included 78 patients (38 in palonosetron group and 40 in ondansetron group). Palonosetron significantly decreased incidence of PONV in infratentorial subgroup of patients compared to ondansetron (70% vs. 28%, respectively; RR=0.40; 95% СI: 0.18-0.89). However, the difference was not statistically significant in the general cohort of study patients (26.3% vs. 45%, respectively; RR=0.58; 95% СI: 0.31-1.10). The administration of palonosetron was not associated with decreased use of rescue antiemetics in either the palonosetron or the ondansetron group (15.8% vs. 22.5%, respectively; p=0.57) nor in the infratentorial subgroup that received palonosetron compared to which received ondansetron (16.6% vs. 40%, respectively; p=0.159). ConclusionIntraoperative palonosetron was more effective than ondansetron for prevention of PONV in patients following infratentorial craniotomy. Risk reduction of PONV after craniotomy in general was insignificant.

The 5% Lidocaine Patch for Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Rescue Opioid Use in Sternotomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Trial

PurposePoststernotomy pain (PSP), a primary concern after sternotomy, can negatively affect patients' satisfaction with surgery and quality of life. Many clinical trials have been conducted to examine the usefulness of lidocaine patches (LPs) for postoperative pain control for multiple types of surgery; however, the results of these trials are inconsistent. In addition, little is known about the use of LPs after cardiac procedures that require sternotomy. This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to determine the efficacy of the 5% LP application at the sternotomy site for reducing PSP and rescue opioid consumption. MethodsThe patients were randomly assigned to receive either the 5% LP or the placebo patch on each side of the incision site immediately after the surgery. The intensity of pain at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the patch application; the total dose of rescue opioids; incidence of nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbance; and use of antiemetics were compared between the 2 groups. FindingsFifty-seven (31 in the LP group and 26 in the placebo group) patients were included. The pain intensity was significantly lower in the LP group at each time point (66%–68% pain reduction, P < 0.001, interaction of time × treatment P = 0.69). In addition, the total dose of rescue opioids used for 48 h was significantly lower in the L group (27.2% reduction, P = 0.008). No significant differences were found in other outcome variables between the 2 groups. ImplicationsThe application of a 5% LP on each side of the sternotomy site can reduce PSP and additional opioid use without significant adverse effects in patients undergoing sternotomy. Thus, it can be considered as a standard and routine modality along with other analgesic medications for the management of PSP. Clinical Trial Registry in South Korea identifier: KCT0000476.

Exploring the Use of State Medical Cannabis Legislation as a Proxy for Medical Cannabis Use Among Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

The use of medical cannabis is expanding in the USA. Due to conflicting, low-quality evidence, many oncologists may not feel confident to recommend it to patients. Given the potential for legal and financial risks when conducting clinical trials with medical cannabis, the use of observational data should be explored. Observational data that directly capture medical cannabis use in relation to prescription medications and track the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use is sparse. To gain insights into the role medical cannabis plays in the pharmaceutical landscape, proxies such as cannabis legislation need to be explored. In the context of recommendation-nonadherent antiemetic prescribing among patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, medical cannabis may be a suitable alternative to an antiemetic in states that allow medical cannabis. Findings suggest that legislation may impact the use of certain antiemetics in states with cannabis legislation in place. The presence or absence of legislation regarding medical cannabis use may serve as an early, observable surrogate marker of medical cannabis use in the community. In light of the paucity of clinical trials and observational datasets that capture cannabis use, there remains a tremendous need for the development of methodologies or standardized datasets that appropriately and reliably capture the use of medical cannabis to facilitate research into its clinical application and effect on prescription medication use. Standardizing the reporting and destigmatizing use could eliminate the dependence upon proxy measures as a substitute for more extensive data and go a long way in improving data capture, thus allowing us to generate knowledge and hypotheses from observational data until research conditions improve and allow for expanded clinical trials involving medical cannabis.

A randomized trial of individualized versus standard of care antiemetic therapy for breast cancer patients at high risk for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

PurposeDespite triple antiemetic therapy use for breast cancer patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy, nausea remains a clinical challenge. We evaluated adding olanzapine (5 mg) to triple therapy on nausea control in patients at high personal risk of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). MethodsThis multi-centre, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial randomized breast cancer patients scheduled to receive neo/adjuvant chemotherapy with anthracycline-cyclophosphamide or platinum-based chemotherapy to olanzapine (5 mg, days 1–4) or placebo. Primary endpoint was frequency of self-reported significant nausea, repeated for all cycles of chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included: duration of nausea, overall total control of CINV, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) using FLIE questionnaire, use of rescue mediation and treatment-related adverse events. Results218 eligible patients were randomised to placebo (105) or olanzapine (113). From days 0–5 following each cycle of chemotherapy, 41.3% (95%CI: 36.1–46.7%) of patients in the placebo group reported significant nausea compared to 27.7% (95%CI: 23.2–32.4%) in the olanzapine group (p = 0.001). Across all cycles of chemotherapy, patients receiving olanzapine experienced a statistically significant improvement in HRQoL (p < 0.001). Grade 1/2 sedation was the most commonly side effect reported at 40.8% in the placebo group vs. 54.1% with olanzapine (p < 0.001). ConclusionIn patients at high personal risk of CINV, the addition of olanzapine 5 mg daily to standard antiemetic therapy significantly improves the control of nausea, HRQoL, with no unexpected toxicities.

Intravenous Haloperidol Versus Ondansetron for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (HaVOC): A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Little is known about the cause or optimal treatment of hyperemesis in habitual cannabis users. Anecdotal evidence supports the use of haloperidol over traditional antiemetics for this newly recognized disorder. We compare haloperidol with ondansetron for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. We randomized cannabis users with active emesis to either haloperidol (with a nested randomization to either 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg) or ondansetron 8 mg intravenously in a triple-blind fashion. The primary outcome was the reduction from baseline in abdominal pain and nausea (each measured on a 10-cm visual analog scale) at 2 hours after treatment. Although the trial allowed for crossover, the primary analysis used only the first treatment period because few subjects crossed over. We enrolled 33 subjects, of whom 30 (16 men, aged 29 years [SD 11 years] using 1.5 g/day [SD 0.9 g/day] since age 19 years [SD 2 years]) received at least 1 treatment (haloperidol 13, ondansetron 17). Haloperidol at either dose was superior to ondansetron (difference 2.3 cm [95% confidence interval 0.6 to 4.0 cm]; P=.01), with similar improvements in both pain and nausea, as well as less use of rescue antiemetics (31% versus 59%; difference -28% [95% confidence interval -61% to 13%]) and shorter time to emergency department (ED) departure (3.1 hours [SD 1.7] versus 5.6 hours [SD 4.5]; difference 2.5 hours [95% confidence interval 0.1 to 5.0 hours]; P=.03). There were 2 return visits for acute dystonia, both in the higher-dose haloperidol group. In this clinical trial, haloperidol was superior to ondansetron for the acute treatment of cannabis-associated hyperemesis. The efficacy of haloperidol over ondansetron provides insight into the pathophysiology of this now common diagnosis in many EDs.

Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia vs nurse administered oral oxycodone after total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

Severe post-operative pain is common after total knee arthroplasty. Patient-controlled analgesia is an alternative method of pain management, whereby a patient administers his or her own pain medication. Patients seem to prefer this method over nurse-administered analgesia. However, it remains unclear whether patients using patient-controlled analgesia devices use higher or lower doses of opioids compared to patients treated with oral opioids. This retrospective study examined 164 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Post-operatively, 82 patients received oxycodone via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia devices, while the pain medication for 82 patients in the control group was administered by nurses. The main outcome measure was the consumption of intravenous opioid equivalents within 24h after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were the use of anti-emetic drugs and the length of stay. Furthermore, we evaluated opioid-related adverse event reports. The consumption of opioids during the first 24h after surgery and the use of anti-emetic drugs were similar in both groups. The median opioid dose of intravenous morphine equivalents was 41.1mg (interquartile range (IQR): 29.5-69.1mg) in the patient-controlled analgesia group and 40.5mg (IQR: 32.4-48.6mg) in the control group, respectively. The median length of stay was 2days (IQR: 2-3days) in the patient-controlled analgesia group and 3days (IQR: 2-3days) in the control group (p=0.02). The use of anti-emetic drugs was similar in both groups. The administration of oxycodone via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia devices does not lead to increased opioid or anti-emetic consumptions compared to nurse-administered pain medication after total knee arthroplasty. Patient-controlled analgesia might lead to shortened length of stay.

AN OPEN LABELLED CLINICAL CONTROL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICA-CY OF VIDANGADI ARKA NASYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ARDHAVABHEDA-KA (MIGRAINE WITHOUT AURA)

Background and Objective: Ardhavabhedaka (migraine without aura) is characterized by severe tearing, pricking and piercing pain in one half of the head and giddiness which develops suddenly after ten days or a fortnight. Based on signs and symptoms it may correlate with migraine characterized by half sided head-ache associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. The current line of management for migraine advocates the use of analgesics and antiemetics, vasoconstrictors, sumatriptan, topiramate, flunar-izine, Propranolol. Ayurveda emphasizes various treatment modalities of Ardhavabhedaka, includes both Shodhana and Shamana. Vidangadi avapeedana Nasya and Vidangadi arka (distillate) Nasya have been mentioned for ardhavabhedaka chikitsa. Arka is the essence of the drug; possesses laghu, ushna, kaphavatahara, increased potency, more shelf life, easy absorption and act fast. Materials and Methods: 20 patients of Group A were treated with Vidangadi Arka Nasya and Group B 20 patients were treated with Vidangadi Avapeedana Nasya (each nostril 6 drops for 7 days). Results: The data of both the groups were collected according to the objective and subjective Parameters and analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA, Bonferroni test, and Mann- Whitney U Test. The efficacy was statistically highly significant with-in the group at P &lt;0.001and statistically insignificant between the group at P &gt;0.05 among all the parame-ters. Interpretation and Conclusion: Study can be concluded that patients treated with Vidangadi Arka and Avapeedana Nasya showed not much difference in the results statistically, clinically group A showed better results than group B.

Comparison of different end-tidal carbon dioxide levels in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in gynaecological patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

The aim of this study was to compare different end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) caused by increased intracranial pressure due to pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. A total of 60 female patients aged 25–50 years who would undergo laparoscopic gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised into two groups: group A (EtCO2: 26 − 35 mmHg, n = 30) and group B (EtCO2: 36 − 45 mmHg, n = 30). In both groups, ONSD and EtCO2 of the patients were measured at baseline after anaesthesia induction (T b), at 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (T PP5), and at 10 min intervals after Trendelenburg position (T PP10, T PP20, T PP30). At 5 (T D5) and 10 min (T D10) after deflation, ONSD measurements were repeated. The incidence and severity of PONV of the patients, and antiemetic drugs used in both groups were assessed in the postoperative period. In the intraoperative follow-up periods, T PP5 and subsequent EtCO2 values, as well as T PP10 and subsequent ONSD values, were significantly higher in group B and the incidence of nausea, the PONV scores and the incidence of rescue antiemetic use significantly lower in group A than in group B (p<.001 for all). This result indicates that low EtCO2 levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecological operations. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Laparoscopic gynaecologic surgery has been a more preferred technique. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic gynaecologic surgery is remarkably high. In the prevention of PONV after gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery, single and multiple drug therapies and methods have been used. What the results of this study add? Postoperative nausea and vomiting caused by intracranial pressure (ICP) increase due to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in gynaecologic laparoscopic surgeries were decreased in the early postoperative period by low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels in the intraoperative period. It was shown that low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecologic operations. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This result indicates that low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecologic operations.

Assessment of Maternal Satisfaction and Associated Factors among Parturients Who Underwent Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anesthesia at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.

Background Spinal anesthesia is the most common anesthetic technique for cesarean delivery. Patient satisfaction is a subjective and complicated concept, involving physical, emotional, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Regular evaluation of maternal satisfaction related to anesthesia service is an important parameter to the required changes and expansion of high-quality care services. We aimed to assess maternal satisfaction and associated factors among parturients who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2019. A total of 383 parturients were enrolled to assess maternal satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Variables of p value ≤0.2 in the bivariable analysis were a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. A p value <0.05 was considered as significantly associated with maternal satisfaction at 95% CI. Results This study revealed that 315 (82.3%) of the parturients were satisfied. Single spinal prick attempts (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.05–4.11), successful spinal block (AOR = 7.17, 95% CI = 3.33–15.43), less incidence of postdural puncture headache (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.33–4.20), and prophylactic antiemetic use (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19–0.66) were positively associated with maternal satisfaction. Conclusions The overall maternal satisfaction receiving spinal anesthesia was considerably low. Single spinal prink attempts, successful spinal block, and less incidence of postural puncture headache can increase maternal satisfaction. Therefore, effective perioperative management, skillful techniques, and using the small-gauge Quincke spinal needle (25–27 gauge) may increase the maternal satisfaction and quality of spinal anesthesia management.

Safety and efficacy of aprepitant as mono and combination therapy for the prevention of emetogenic chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: post-marketing surveillance in China.

The goal of this study was to evaluate aprepitant usage in the context of routine clinical practice with dose/regimens at the discretion of prescribers for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) treatments. In this single arm, multicenter prospective study 1,000 patients with solid malignancies were enrolled across 21 centers in China. The primary endpoint was the rate of adverse events (AEs), including drug related AEs and serious AEs (SAEs). Secondary efficacy endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving complete response (CR; no vomiting, no nausea, and no use of rescue medication) within 120 h after highly emetogenic chemotherapy, the rates of no nausea and no vomiting, as well as quality of life (QoL). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine factors associated with the overall (0-120 h), acute (0-24 h) and delayed (25-120 h) CR. Of the 1,000 highly emetogenic chemotherapy treated patients enrolled in the study ≥1 AE, ≥1 drug related AE, ≥1 SAE and drug related SAE rates in 998 patients were 45.9%, 2.5%, 4.0% and 0.1%, respectively. Approximately half of the patients (455/990, 46.0%) received aprepitant as part of a 3-drug anti-CINV regimen consistent with prescribing guidelines. The overall CR (0 to 120 h) for anti-emetic drug use was 41.0%, with an acute CR of 66.0% and a delayed CR of 46.5%. The rates of no vomiting and no nausea after solely aprepitant anti-emetic therapy from 0 to 120 h were 70.9% and 43.0%, for dual anti-emetic therapy 86.9% and 64.6%, and for triple therapy 86.4% and 69.5%, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that triple anti-emetic therapy (P=0.038), male gender (P<0.001) and a history of chemotherapy (P=0.016) were significantly associated with the overall acute CR. Especially as a combination treatment, aprepitant is safe and efficient for preventing CINV in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy.