Oral Ondansetron Reduces Need for IV Fluids in Gastroenteritis
Abstract
Source: Roslund G, Hepps TS, McQuillen KK. The role of oral ondansetron in children with vomiting as a result of acute gastritis/gastroenteritis who have failed oral rehydration threrapy: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2008;52(1):22–29; doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2007.09.010Oral rehydration fluids are the recommended therapy for mild to moderate dehydration from acute gastroenteritis and acute gastritis.1 Despite these national recommendations, emergency departments (EDs) commonly use intravenous fluid therapy (IVT) for the treatment of moderate dehydration, especially in patients with persistent emesis.Researchers from the ED at Advocate Christ Medical Center in suburban Chicago, IL, investigated the potential benefit of treatment with oral ondansetron, an antinausea agent, in patients with mild to moderate dehydration from suspected gastritis or gastroenteritis and persistent emesis.Investigators enrolled a convenience sample of patients aged 1–10 years if they failed a standardized oral rehydration treatment (ORT) protocol in the ED, evidenced by emesis or refusal to take oral rehydration fluid. Exclusion criteria included antiemetics in the preceding six hours and underlying chronic illness.Patients were randomized to receive either an oral dissolving tablet of ondansetron (approximately 0.15 mg/kg) or a similar-tasting placebo. Attempts at ORT were made 30 minutes after administration of the study drug. Patients were given either Pedialyte popsicles (Abbot…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 106 participants or records.
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