[Control of vomiting induced by antineoplastic chemotherapy in childhood]

Twenty four children aged 2 to 13 years who were to receive cancer chemotherapy were enrolled in a prospective study (before-after-trial) in order to evaluate the efficacy of systematic antiemetic prophylaxis. The regimen of three drugs (metilpednisolone 4 mg/Kg/dose/iv 2 doses; metodopamide 0.5 mg/Kg/dose/iv 4 doses; diphenydramine 1 mg/Kg/dose/iv 4 doses) was used. We found a significative reduction (P less than 0.001) in the incidence of vomiting and nauseousness duration when the antiemetic prophylaxis was used. There were very few and slight adverse effects secondary to antiemetic drugs: Sedation happened in 25% of chemotherapic cycles and hypotension without clinical repercussion in 15%. No patient had distonia. We conclude that systematical antiemetic protection should be used in children receiving chemotherapy. The association of metilpednisolone, metopramide and diphenhydramine is a safe and effective combination.