Postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis: The efficacy of a novel antiemetic drug (palonosetron) combined with dexamethasone

BackgroundPalonosetron is a new, potent, and long-acting 5HT3-receptors antagonist that had been approved by the FDA for use in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis. This study is designed to evaluate its efficacy combined with dexamethasone in PONV prophylaxis in highrisk patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgeries.MethodsIn this double-blind, active-controlled study, 150 patients aged 20–55 years, ASA I–II, and with Apfel’s PONV score 2–4 were equally randomized to receive dexamethasone 8 mg before anesthesia induction and saline 30 min before the end of surgery (group D + S), dexamethasone 8 mg before anesthesia induction and metoclopramide 25 mg 30 min before the end of surgery (group D + M), or dexamethasone 8 mg combined with palonosetron 0.075 mg before anesthesia induction and saline 30 min before the end of surgery (group D + P). Incidences of early and late PONV, complete response, adverse events from antiemetics used, and overall patients’ satisfaction were recorded.ResultsThe incidence of PONV was comparable in the three groups 0–6 h postoperatively. Palonosetron–dexamethasone and dexamethasone–metoclopramide combination therapies significantly reduced the incidence of PONV at 6–12 h postoperatively compared to dexamethasone monotherapy (12% and 16%, vs. 36%, respectively, with P < 0.05). Moreover, palonosetron–dexamethasone combination therapy significantly reduced the incidence of PONV at 12–24 h postoperatively compared to both dexamethasone monotherapy (16% vs. 48%, P < 0.01), and dexamethasone–metoclopramide combination therapy (16% vs. 40%, P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse drug effects was comparable in the three groups. The overall patients’ satisfaction was significantly higher in palonosetron–dexamethasone combination therapy compared to other groups.ConclusionPalonosetron–dexamethasone combination is effective and safe in PONV (early and late) prophylaxis in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries with known high-risk of PONV.