Use Of Antiemetic Medication Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture and Related Techniques in the Management of Oncological Children and Adolescent Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Oncology acupuncture is emerging as a complementary treatment in pediatric cancer care centers. It is valued for its potential to manage symptoms associated with cancer and treatment toxicities without increasing polypharmacy. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and related techniques in alleviating symptoms of cancer treatment in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CNKI, up to June 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials involving pediatric oncology patients undergoing needle acupuncture or related techniques. Study selection and data extraction were independently performed by pairs of authors. Results were analyzed narratively, and meta-analysis was performed when possible. Results: Results suggest that acupuncture may help manage symptoms such as nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology patients. However, the quality of evidence was generally low, and further research is required to substantiate these findings. Conclusions: Acupuncture shows promising results as a complementary treatment for reducing nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology. However, current evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions for other outcomes, such as the number of vomiting episodes, reduction in antiemetic medication use, or fatigue. High-quality, rigorously designed studies are necessary to better understand the clinical relevance and safety of acupuncture in this vulnerable population.

Hubungan Sikap Ibu dan Dukungan Suami dengan Kejadian Hiperemesis Gravidarum Grade II-III

Hyperemesis gravidarum, which often occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, can be quite disruptive. However, the majority of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting can be managed with outpatient care and the use of antiemetic medications. In this context, social support, especially from spouses, and the mother's attitude toward hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms can play a role in preventing further development of this condition. This research was conducted to examine the relationship between the mother's attitude and spousal support with the occurrence of Grade II-III hyperemesis gravidarum at the Kaubun Health Center in 2023. The research method used was a correlation study with a cross-sectional approach. The study population involved 32 first-trimester pregnant women who visited the Kaubun Health Center in January 2023, and the entire population was sampled. The results of the statistical analysis using the chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between the mother's attitude (p-value = 0.000) and spousal support (p-value = 0.006) with the occurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum. Therefore, the conclusion of this research is that the mother's attitude and spousal support are associated with the occurrence of Grade II-III hyperemesis gravidarum at the Kaubun Health Center in 2023. Husbands play a crucial role in providing support, understanding, and positive feelings to wives experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, helping wives feel comfortable and capable of managing these symptoms. A deeper understanding of this condition enables husbands to provide more effective support, contributing to the prevention and management of hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy.

Patterns of antiemetic medication use during pregnancy: A multi-country retrospective cohort study.

To compare patterns in use of different antiemetics during pregnancy in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, between 2002 and 2014. We constructed population-based cohorts of pregnant women using administrative healthcare data from five Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan), the Clinical Practice Research Datalink from the United Kingdom, and the IBM MarketScan Research Databases from the United States. We included pregnancies ending in live births, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, or induced abortion. We determined maternal use of antiemetics from pharmacy claims in Canada and the United States and from prescriptions in the United Kingdom. The most common outcome of 3 848 734 included pregnancies (started 2002-2014) was live birth (66.7% of all pregnancies) followed by spontaneous abortion (20.2%). Use of antiemetics during pregnancy increased over time in all three countries. Canada had the highest prevalence of use of prescription antiemetics during pregnancy (17.7% of pregnancies overall, 13.2% of pregnancies in 2002, and 18.9% in 2014), followed by the United States (14.0% overall, 8.9% in 2007, and 18.1% in 2014), and the United Kingdom (5.0% overall, 4.2% in 2002, and 6.5% in 2014). Besides use of antiemetic drugs being considerably lower in the United Kingdom, the increase in its use over time was more modest. The most commonly used antiemetic was combination doxylamine/pyridoxine in Canada (95.2% of pregnancies treated with antiemetics), ondansetron in the United States (72.2%), and prochlorperazine in the United Kingdom (63.5%). In this large cohort study, we observed an overall increase in antiemetic use during pregnancy, and patterns of use varied across jurisdictions. Continued monitoring of antiemetic use and further research are warranted to better understand the reasons for differences in use of these medications and to assess their benefit-risk profile in this population.

Adjuvant Hypnotherapy for Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Randomized Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires hospitalization in approximately 1% to 5% of patients, is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This study investigated the effects of hypnosis on nausea, vomiting, use of antiemetic medications, and hospital stay among patients diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. Patients were randomized to receive either conventional therapy alone (control condition, n = 23) or adjuvant hypnotherapy plus conventional therapy (treatment group, n = 18). Sociodemographic data, severity of nausea, frequency of vomiting per day, rescue medications used, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Participants in the treatment group received 2 sessions of hypnosis and were instructed in daily self-hypnosis practice. Those in the control group received treatment as usual. Results from this study indicated that adjunctive use of hypnotherapy with patients diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum experienced significantly reduced severity of nausea and frequency of vomiting compared to treatment-as-usual alone. Also, hospital stay was found to be shorter in the treatment group as compared to the control group. These findings are encouraging and suggest it is feasible and potentially beneficial to include adjunctive hypnotherapy to treat hyperemesis gravidarum.

Complementary Intervention in Postoperative Care: Aromatherapy's Role in Decreasing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.

Purpose: This study analyzed the efficacy of Post-Ease, a custom essential oil aromatherapy blend, in decreasing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and the need for antiemetic drugs in an orthopaedic surgical population. Study Design: This is retrospective cohort study, utilizing electronic health record data pre- and post-implementation of a nurse-driven quality improvement intervention. Methods: The study examined the impact of an inhaled custom blend of essential oils containing lavender, peppermint, ginger and lemon to assist in decreasing PONV and reduce the use of antiemetic medications. Data on the use of antiemetic drugs in pre- and post-intervention periods were analyzed. Findings: Nurses provided the Post-Ease blend 384 times in 2020 to patients as an option before proceeding, if necessary, to antiemetic drugs. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the number of unique surgical patients' need for antiemetics as treatment (22%; p = .05). Similarly, the total doses of antiemetics administered was significantly reduced (21%; p ≤ .05) during the study period. Conclusion: This study supports the use of aromatherapy to reduce PONV and minimize antiemetic use in an orthopaedic population.

Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery: A Quality-Improvement Project

The purpose of this project was to implement carbohydrate loading in patients undergoing thoracic surgery in an effort to decrease postoperative pain, nausea, and length of stay as a part of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol. This quality-improvement project used a preintervention and postintervention design. Carbohydrate loading was given to 50 patients before undergoing thoracic surgery. Chart review was performed for 47 patients who received standard preoperative instructions in the preintervention group as historical control. Patients who received carbohydrate loading had a decreased use of opioids in the first 4hours after surgery (P = .028) and decreased use of antiemetic medication in the first 24hours after surgery compared with the preintervention group (P = .066). Patients who were instructed to consume carbohydrate loading complied 87% of the time. Carbohydrate loading can decrease postoperative nausea and pain in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Impact of Pyloric Injection of Magnesium Sulfate-Lidocaine Mixture on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Randomized-Controlled Trial.

One of the most common adverse effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The present study aimed to assess the impact of local injection of a mixture of magnesium sulfate and lidocaine into the pylorus on gastric intraluminal pressure (ILP) and PONV after LSG. Patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG were randomly allocated to one of two equal groups: treatment group (pyloric injection of a mixture of magnesium sulfate and lidocaine) and control group (pyloric injection of normal saline). PONV and antiemetic requirements were recorded at 6 and 24h postoperatively. Seventy patients (63 female) with a mean age of 34.6 ± 9.9years were included. The mean preoperative and postoperative gastric ILP was comparable in the two groups. The pyloric injection of magnesium sulfate-lidocaine mixture resulted in 31% reduction in the mean gastric ILP (19.4 ± 4.7mmHg before injection to 13.4 ± 4.1mmHg after injection, p < 0.0001). Pyloric injection of saline did not result in significant change in ILP (19.9 ± 4.9 vs 20.3 ± 5.1mmHg). Of the treatment group patients, 17.1% had significant PONV at 6h compared to 91.4% of control group patients (p < 0.0001). At 24h, none of the treatment group patients had significant PONV versus 40% of the control group patients (p < 0.0001). Pyloric injection of magnesium sulfate-lidocaine mixture during LSG resulted in lower incidence of PONV and less use of antiemetic medications in the first 24h after LSG without being associated with higher complication rate.

The effects of music therapy in patients with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell support: a randomized pilot study.

Patients with high dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) are highly distressed. Psycho-oncological support might be beneficial but is not routinely provided. Our aim was to investigate whether music therapy (MT) in addition to standard supportive treatment had any effect on quality of life, depression, anxiety, side effects of therapy, medication, and immunological changes during and within three months after HDC plus ASCT. Patients (n = 66) with HDC plus ASCT were randomly assigned to either MT (Intervention Group = IG) or standard supportive treatment (Control Group = CG). Quality of life was measured by EORTC QLQ-C30. Depression and anxiety were measured by the HADS-D before transplantation, during and after the inpatient stay. In addition, adverse events (AE), medication, and immunological parameters were observed. There was no improvement of global quality of life for patients receiving additional MT, but their perception of pain significantly changed (p = 0.027). Patients were neither depressed nor anxious on admission, therefore no improvements were found. IG patients had less 3-4° toxicities (e.g., mucositis). Aprepitant for antiemetic therapy was administered significantly more often in the CG (p = 0.040). The IgA decline and T4 count was less in IG, T8, and NK count decreased most in IG. These findings failed significance. MT may improve pain perception in patients receiving HDC plus ASCT. Additionally positive effects on toxicities, use of antiemetic medication, and immunological changes were observed. As some of these findings failed significance, studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Combination of Palonosetron, Aprepitant, and Dexamethasone Effectively Controls Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Treated with Concomitant Temozolomide and Radiotherapy: Results of a Prospective Study.

Concomitant use of temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy, which is the standard therapy for patients with high-grade glioma, involves a unique regimen with multiple-day, long-term administration. In a previous study, we showed not only higher incidence rates of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) during the overall study period, but also substantially higher incidence rates of moderate/severe nausea and particularly severe appetite suppression during the late phase of the treatment. Here, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy of a combination of palonosetron, aprepitant, and dexamethasone for CINV in patients treated with concomitant TMZ and radiotherapy. Twenty-one consecutive patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma were enrolled. CINV was recorded using a daily diary and included nausea assessment, emetic episodes, degree of appetite suppression, and use of antiemetic medication. The percentage of patients with a complete response in the overall period was 76.2%. The percentages of patients with no moderate/severe nausea were 90.5, 100, and 90.5% in the early phase, late phase, and overall period, respectively. Severe appetite suppression throughout the overall period completely disappeared. The combination of palonosetron, aprepitant, and dexamethasone was highly effective and well tolerated in patients treated with concomitant TMZ and radiotherapy. This combination of antiemetic therapy focused on delayed as well as acute CINV and may have the potential to overcome CINV associated with a multiple-day, long-term chemotherapy regimen.

Continuous local anesthetic infusion for children with spina bifida undergoing major reconstruction of the lower urinary tract

While many options for postoperative analgesia are available to the general patient population, choices are limited for individuals with spinal dysraphism. We hypothesized that the use of continuous local anesthetic infusion following major reconstruction of the lower urinary tract in children with spina bifida would significantly decrease need for opiate use, while maintaining adequate pain control. Children with spina bifida who underwent major reconstruction of the lower urinary tract at Children's Hospital Colorado were identified from January, 2003 through January, 2013 were identified. In addition to enterocycstoplasty, procedures included Mitrofanoff or Monti creation, bladder neck reconstruction, and Malone antegrade continence enema. Patients who had local anesthetic infusion catheters placed in the incision were compared to patients without catheters. Opioid consumption was calculated by conversion of any opiates into IV morphine (mg/kg) on postoperative days (POD) 0-3. Pain was assessed by mean and maximum FLACC scores on POD 0-2. Use of antiemetic medications and wound related complications were recorded as secondary metrics. Patients with other etiologies for neurogenic bladder and bowel were excluded. Patients whose pain was assessed by other assessment scales were excluded. Chi-squared analysis was used for nominal variables, students t-test was used for analysis of continuous variables. P values <0.05 were considered significant. 36 myelomeningocele patients who underwent primary enterocystoplasty met the inclusion criteria. All surgeries were open procedures. 24 patients in the infusion catheter group were compared to 12 patients who received primary analgesia by PCA or IV narcotics. There were no significant differences in age, sex, weight or spinal defect level between the two groups. Opioid use, as defined by IV morphine equivalents, was significantly less in the wound soaker group on all PODs. The total opioid use after POD #0-3 was 0.55 mg/kg in the wound soaker group vs 1.66 mg/kg in the IV/PCA group (p = 0.03). FLACC scores were uniformly lower in the wound soaker group, but were not significantly different. There was a significant decrease in need for postoperative antiemetic use in the wound soaker group (36.5% vs 83.3%, p = 0.014). Complications and hospital stay were similar between both groups. The advantage of local anesthesia is the reduction of systemic opioids and their subsequent adverse side effects. Our results suggest that in children with spina bifida undergoing major reconstruction of the lower urinary tract narcotic consumption is approximately 1/3 when continuous local anesthetic catheters are placed into the incision. The need for antiemetic medication is also significantly less. While this technique has been validated in a variety of other settings, it may be most beneficial in patients with myelomeningocele or other spinal dysraphism where epidural placement is generally contraindicated and narcotic use may have a particularly deleterious effect on preexisting neurogenic bowel function. The primary limitation of our study is that it is a retrospective review of a limited number of patients. Patients were not randomized and subject to other management differences that could have influenced our results in unknown ways. Continuous local anesthetic catheters are a simple, effective alternative strategy to provide postoperative analgesia while reducing systemic opiate use and associated adverse effects.

Medication used in Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy - A Review of Safety and Efficacy

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms experienced by 50– 90% of women’s in early pregnancy. ‘Morning sickness’ is a misnomer frequently used to describe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), although the symptoms may persist the whole day and/or night. Pregnant women experience these symptoms mainly in the first trimester between 6 and 12 weeks of gestation, few of them continue till 20 weeks of gestation while in few others it continues throughout the pregnancy. The problem peaks at 9-week gestation, and approximately 60% of NVPs resolve by the end of first trimester. In a very small minority of these patients, the symptoms become severe leading to dehydration, weight loss, excessive vomiting, and mandate hospital admission; this condition is known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Fairweather D.V proposed the most widely used definition of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). He defined HG based on the symptoms, vomiting exceeding three times a day with significant ketonurea or weight loss more than or equal to 5% of pre pregnancy weight, electrolytic imbalance or fluid depletion, and onset occurs at 4 to 8 weeks of pregnancy till 14 to 16 weeks. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is of multifarious etiology (fluctuating levels of progesterone, estrogens, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), slow peristaltic movement of Gastrointestinal (GI) tract); however, the exact mechanism remains still unclear. Given the uncertainty in treatment of NVPs, both patients and healthcare practitioners often fear the use of antiemetic medications in pregnancy due to the potential risk to fetus and mother. The manifestation of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is different among each woman, so its management should be tailored similarly. An early treatment of nausea and vomiting is important and beneficial since it prevents a more severe form of occurring, or a possible hospitalization, and prevents both emotional and psychological problems. It is very important for the women and the healthcare providers to understand that a safe and effective NVP treatment benefits both fetus and mother, thus all the treatment options should be open and considered. Nonetheless, given the widespread prevalence of nausea and vomiting, its adverse effects and effects on psychological conditions of pregnant women, it is necessary to be treated effectively and safely during embryonic and fetal developmental stages. First trimester exposure is important to be assessed to monitor the teratogenic potential of the drug; however, randomized control trials are rarely conducted for pregnant women for ethical reasons. Whereas the epidemiological studies done are observational and lack population strength to establish safety and risk involved. This review will mainly focus on pharmacological drugs used in treatment of NVP, and explore their safety and efficacy and evidence based practice. There have been many studies examining the safety of drugs used in NVPs and few of them are covered in this review. The dietary, lifestyle modifications, and nonpharmacological approaches are not covered in this section.

Profile Analysis of Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Treated with Concomitant Temozolomide and Radiotherapy: Results of a Prospective Study.

Temozolomide (TMZ) as a concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy to radiotherapy following maximal surgical resection is the established standard therapy for patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma. However, detailed analysis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) associated with concomitant TMZ has not been sufficiently described. We prospectively analyzed the profile of CINV associated with concomitant TMZ. Eighteen consecutive patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy including TMZ were enrolled. CINV was recorded using a daily diary including nausea assessment, emetic episodes, degree of appetite suppression, and antiemetic medication use. The observed incidence rates of all grade nausea, moderate/severe (CTC grade 2, 3) nausea, emetic episodes, and appetite suppression for the overall period were 89%, 39%, 39%, and 83%, respectively. Moderate/severe nausea and severe (CTC grade 3) appetite suppression were frequently observed during the delayed phase of the treatment. Emetic episodes and moderate/severe nausea were significantly correlated with female gender. Moderate/severe nausea and severe appetite suppression were significantly correlated with low lymphocyte counts before chemoradiotherapy. For CINV associated with concomitant TMZ, enhanced antiemetic therapy focused on the delayed phase of the treatment will likely be beneficial, especially in female patients with a low lymphocyte count before chemoradiotherapy.

Prescription and cost-analysis of antiemetic medication use in pediatric wards: a prospective observational study

Background: Use of anti-emetic drugs in pediatric population is often warranted, but choice of drug remains questionable within pediatricians. Objective of current study is: to study prescribing pattern and to calculate cost of antiemetic drug therapy in pediatric wards. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in pediatric wards of a tertiary care hospital of over 14 month’s duration. Institutional ethics committee approval was obtained and written informed consent of parents/guardians was taken. Data of any pediatric patient receiving anti-emetic agent were included in the study. Results: A total of 218 prescriptions were collected. Mean age of patients was 4.39±3.16 (range 4 months to 12 years). Gastroenteritis was the most frequently diagnosed disease in 137(63%) patients. Domperidone was prescribed in 52.4% and ondansetron in 47.6% children. Oral liquid dosage formulation was prescribed in 109 (48.4%) followed by solid dosage form 47 (20.9%). Mean cost of domperidone therapy was 25.34±6.55 INR and for ondansetron it was 36.62±17.94 INR. Conclusions: Gastroenteritis was most frequent indication for use of anti-emetics. Domperidone pharmacotherapy was cheaper and most frequently prescribed than ondansetron.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature review.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a common side-effect of cytotoxic treatment. It continues to affect a significant proportion of patients despite the widespread use of antiemetic medication. In traditional medicine, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used to prevent and treat nausea in many cultures for thousands of years. However, its use has not been confirmed in the chemotherapy context. To determine the potential use of ginger as a prophylactic or treatment for CINV, a systematic literature review was conducted. Reviewed studies comprised randomized controlled trials or crossover trials that investigated the anti-CINV effect of ginger as the sole independent variable in chemotherapy patients. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were assessed on methodological quality and their limitations were identified. Studies were mixed in their support of ginger as an anti-CINV treatment in patients receiving chemotherapy, with three demonstrating a positive effect, two in favor but with caveats, and two showing no effect on measures of CINV. Future studies are required to address the limitations identified before clinical use can be recommended.

Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

Symptoms of nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced during early pregnancy (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy or NVP) and have been associated with stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnancy. However, nausea and vomiting in late pregnancy is a little-studied phenomenon. The purpose of our study was to examine the prevalence, severity, and psychosocial determinants of NVP during early and late pregnancy. Data were originally from a longitudinal and epidemiological study of depression in pregnancy and postpartum in a cohort of 648 Canadian women conducted from 2005 to 2008. Measures included the Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Instrument (NVPI), the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Demographic, maternal/obstetrical, psychological, and behavioral variables related to NVP were also examined. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all risk factors investigated using multiple logistic regression, controlling for potential confounders. The prevalence of NVP was 63.3% (n = 551) at Time 1 (early pregnancy) and 45.4% (n = 575) at Time 2 (late pregnancy). Severity of symptoms was associated with earlier gestation, antiemetic medication use, employment status, and symptoms of major depression. Maternal smoking and having the support of three or more persons were protective for NVP. This study suggests that screening for NVP should be ongoing throughout pregnancy and measures that address NVP, poor social support, and depression are warranted. Further research is needed in regard to effective management of this very common and distressing condition.

Electroacupuncture for Nausea, Vomiting, and Myelosuppression in Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Early Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Background: Acupuncture has been demonstrated as an effective way to control nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy but has not been tested in conjunction with optimal use of antiemetic medication. Objective: The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for women with breast cancer, who were receiving chemotherapy. Design: The study was a randomized controlled pilot trial. Setting: This trial was conducted at a medical oncology clinic at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Patients: Thirty-two women with breast cancer were recruited from a medical oncology clinic between March 2008 and July 2009. Intervention: The intervention tested was true EA versus sham EA. Main Outcome Measures: The study tested the effect of EA on women with breast cancer who were receiving chemotherapy, with respect to nausea, vomiting, and blood cell counts. Results: All but 2 participants completed EA treatment; these two dropouts were 1 from the true EA group and 1 from the sham EA group. No adverse effects of EA were reported. There was no significant difference in nausea and vomiting between the groups. However, there were significant differences in adjusted white blood-cell and neutrophil counts at week 6 in the true EA group, compared to the sham EA group. Conclusions: The findings of this trial suggest that EA during chemotherapy is a promising option for controlling side-effects of chemotherapy. An adequately powered, randomized, controlled trial to confirm the effect of EA is, therefore, warranted.

Analgesic and Antiemetic Requirements After Minimally Invasive Surgery for Early Cervical Cancer: A Comparison Between Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery

Women with early cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy via minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have decreased blood loss and a shorter hospital stay compared with laparotomy. It remains unclear whether there is a difference in benefit to the patient between robotic surgery and traditional laparoscopy. We sought to compare postoperative analgesic and antiemetic requirements between the two approaches. After institutional review board approval, the medication administration records of all patients who underwent MIS radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center were reviewed. Analgesic and antiemetic medication use as well as visual pain scores was recorded. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to compare the groups undergoing laparoscopy (LRH) and robotic surgery (RRH). A total of 85 patients underwent MIS for early cervical cancer, 55 LRH and 30 RRH. Median age was older in the RRH (42 vs. 52years, p=0.001). There was no difference in median body mass index (26.9 vs. 26.8kg/m(2), p=0.71). Length of stay was significantly shorter in the RRH (2 vs. 1day, p=0.005). Total intravenous opioids administered were significantly higher in the LRH (26.7mg morphine equivalents) compared with the RRH (10.7mg morphine equivalents) (p=0.001). There was no difference in visual pain scores or antiemetics given. Intravenous opioids administered were significantly less for RRH compared to LRH; however, there was no difference in visual pain scores. Prospective studies are being performed to evaluate quality of life in patients undergoing MIS for gynecologic cancers.

A randomised trial of the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block after caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia

Previous studies examining the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block after caesarean section have mostly been in parturients under spinal anaesthesia. We postulated that the advantage of performing transversus abdominis plane block after caesarean section might be even more obvious after general anaesthesia, resulting in reduced 24-h consumption of morphine. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this single centre, randomised double-blind controlled trial, 40 women who underwent caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia were allocated randomly to receive a transversus abdominis plane block or no block. In those who received the block, 20 ml of levobupivacaine 2.5 mg ml was deposited bilaterally into the transversus abdominis plane under ultrasound guidance using a Sonosite Titan (SonoSite, Bothell, Washington, USA) 7-13 MHz linear transducer at the end of surgery when the patient was still anaesthetised. We recorded patient-controlled intravenous morphine use for 24 h, pain scores at rest and activity, sedation, nausea and vomiting, use of antiemetic medication and overall maternal satisfaction. The primary outcome was 24-h morphine consumption. Patients who received the transversus abdominis plane block used significantly less morphine in 24 h than those in the control group [12.3 (2.6) vs. 31.4 mg (3.1), P<0.001) and had higher satisfaction scores [16 (80%) vs. 5 (25%), P = 0.012). There were no differences between groups in the visual analogue pain scores, sedation level, nausea and vomiting or the use of antiemetic medication. Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block reduced morphine consumption following caesarean section under general anaesthesia, with increased maternal satisfaction.

Gabapentin for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A pilot study.

9017 Background: Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) is a distressing side-effect that affects many patients undergoing emetogenic chemotherapy, despite the use of antiemetic medications. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for the prevention of CINV during the first cycle of treatment in patients receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Methods: Eighty chemotherapy naïve patients scheduled to receive moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. All patients received intravenous ondansetron 8 mg, dexamethasone 10 mg and ranitidine 50 mg before chemotherapy on day one and oral dexamethasone 4 mg twice a day on days two and three. Patients were randomly assigned to take gabapentin 300 mg or placebo on the following schedule: five and four days before chemotherapy 1 × daily, three and two days before chemotherapy 2 × daily, one day before to five days after chemotherapy 3 × daily. The primary end point was complete overall protection from both vomiting and nausea over the course of the entire study (day 1 through day 5), and complete protection during the delayed period (24 h to 120 h after chemotherapy). Results: The proportion of patients achieving complete response improved from 40% to 62,5%, (p=0,04) when comparing the control group and the gabapentin group, respectively. In the subset of patients who achieved complete control in the acute phase, the percentage of patients who achieved delayed complete control was higher in the gabapentin group (89,3 x 60,7%, p=0,01). Adverse events did not significantly differ between study arms. Conclusions: Gabapentin is a cheap alternative that significantly improved complete control of CINV and appears to be more effective for delayed CINV control.

Gabapentin for the prevention of chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting: a pilot study

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a distressing side effect that affects many patients undergoing emetogenic chemotherapy, despite the use of antiemetic medications. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for the prevention of CINV during the first cycle of treatment in patients receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Eighty chemotherapy-naive patients, scheduled to receive moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy, were enrolled in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. All patients received intravenous ondansetron 8 mg, dexamethasone 10 mg and ranitidine 50 mg before chemotherapy on day 1 and oral dexamethasone 4 mg twice a day on days 2 and 3. Patients were randomly assigned to take gabapentin 300 mg or placebo on the following schedule: 5 and 4 days before chemotherapy once daily, 3 and 2 days before chemotherapy twice daily, 1 day before to 5 days after chemotherapy thrice daily. The primary endpoint was complete overall protection from both vomiting and nausea over the course of the entire study (day 1 through day 5), and complete protection during the delayed period (24-120 h after chemotherapy). The proportion of patients achieving complete response improved from 40% to 62.5%, (p = 0.04) when comparing the control group and the gabapentin group, respectively. In the subset of patients who achieved complete control in the acute phase, the percentage of patients who achieved delayed complete control was higher in the gabapentin group (89.3 × 60.7%, p = 0.01). Adverse events did not significantly differ between study arms. Gabapentin is a low-cost strategy to improve complete control of CINV, specially delayed CINV control.