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Dolasetron for the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery

Deborah Wagner1, Uma Pandit, Terri Voepel-Lewis

  • 1University of Michigan Health Systems, Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. debbiew@umich.edu

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|July 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Dolasetron effectively prevents postoperative vomiting (POV) in children undergoing strabismus surgery. Both weight-based and fixed doses significantly reduced emesis compared to placebo.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Surgical Outcomes

Background:

  • Postoperative vomiting (POV) is a common complication in pediatric strabismus surgery.
  • Effective antiemetic strategies are crucial for patient recovery and reducing healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dolasetron in preventing POV in children.
  • To compare two dolasetron dosing regimens (0.35 mg/kg vs. 12.5 mg fixed dose) against a placebo.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized study involving 118 children (2-12 years) undergoing strabismus surgery.
  • Patients received either dolasetron (weight-based or fixed dose) or placebo 15 minutes before surgery end.
  • Outcomes included acute complete response (ACR), time to awakening, and PACU length of stay.

Main Results:

  • Acute complete response (no emesis or rescue medication within 24 hours) was achieved in 62% (weight dose) and 64% (fixed dose) of patients.
  • This is significantly higher than the 33% observed in the placebo group (P < 0.05).
  • No statistical difference in efficacy was noted between the two dolasetron doses.

Conclusions:

  • Both weight-based (0.35 mg/kg) and fixed (12.5 mg) doses of dolasetron are effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative vomiting.
  • Dolasetron represents a safe and effective option for preventing emesis in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery.
Abstract

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