Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Comparison of Three Clinical Stereoscopic Methods for Measuring Binocular Visual Function During Amblyopic Treatment in Unilateral Amblyopia
06:19

Comparison of Three Clinical Stereoscopic Methods for Measuring Binocular Visual Function During Amblyopic Treatment in Unilateral Amblyopia

Published on: September 27, 2024

691

Dexamethasone, ondansetron, and their combination and postoperative nausea and vomiting in children undergoing

Yun-Dun Shen1, Chien-Yu Chen, Chih-Hsiung Wu

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|March 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Dexamethasone and ondansetron effectively prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in pediatric strabismus surgery. Combining these drugs offers superior PONV prophylaxis compared to individual treatments, with minimal complications.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a frequent complication following pediatric strabismus surgery.
  • Steroids and ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonist) show potential in reducing PONV, pain, and emesis.
  • Evaluating prophylactic agents for PONV in pediatric patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of dexamethasone and ondansetron for PONV in pediatric strabismus surgery.
  • To assess the safety and complication profile of these agents.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search for relevant RCTs.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on intravenous dexamethasone or ondansetron use in pediatric strabismus patients.
  • Primary outcome: incidence of PONV within 24 hours postoperative; Secondary outcomes: need for rescue antiemetics and complications.

Main Results:

  • 13 RCTs involving 2006 patients were analyzed.
  • Dexamethasone reduced PONV incidence by 50% (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.34-0.72) compared to placebo.
  • Ondansetron reduced PONV incidence by 42% (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.43-0.79) versus placebo.
  • Combination therapy was significantly more effective than monotherapy.
  • Adverse events like facial flushing and headache were infrequent.

Conclusions:

  • Dexamethasone and ondansetron are effective prophylactic agents for PONV in pediatric strabismus surgery.
  • The combination of dexamethasone and ondansetron provides superior PONV prevention.
  • Recommended for surgeons and anesthesiologists to administer this combination for improved patient outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
dexamethasonemeta-analysisondansetronpediatricpostoperative nausea and vomitingstrabismus

Related Concept Videos

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists01:27

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
927
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists01:29

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists

Dopamine receptor antagonists, also known as antipsychotic agents, are critical in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. These antiemetic agents block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), inhibiting signal transmission to the vomiting center. Antipsychotic agents encompass phenothiazines (PTZ), butyrophenones, benzamides, and thienobenzodiazepines (Zyprexa), which are utilized for their antiemetic and sedative properties.
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
1.1K
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists01:28

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists

Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy.  SP binds and activates...
820
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx...
1.2K
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists01:28

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists

Prokinetic agents are specialized medications that stimulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, promoting food movement through the GI tract. Dopamine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in this process, reducing GI motility and indirectly controlling the speed of digestion. Dopamine receptor antagonists, such as metoclopramide and domperidone, offer a unique advantage as prokinetic agents. By blocking the dopamine receptors, these drugs increase GI motility, improving food...
2.0K
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
1.0K