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Post-Transplant Complications

Outcomes of antiemetic prophylaxis in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 30, pages 119–124 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

A prospective survey of the control of acute and delayed antineoplastic and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting was undertaken in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) at The Hospital for Sick Children. Prior administration of antineoplastic agents or irradiation, presence of anticipatory nausea or vomiting prior to starting the conditioning regimen, antiemetic use within 24 h of conditioning, the prescribed antineoplastic and/or radiation ablative regimen, and prescribed antiemetic regimens were recorded. Emetic episodes, dietary intake, administration of conditioning agents and antiemetics, and adverse effects were monitored on each day of the conditioning regimen and for 96 h thereafter. Children older than 3 years of age assessed their nausea on each study day. Twenty-five children were followed for 258 patient days. Children did not vomit or retch on 73% and 43% of patient days, in the acute and delayed phases, respectively. Nausea data were evaluable for 21 children on 200 patient days. Nausea was absent on 55% and 26% of patient days in the acute and delayed phases, respectively. Five children never had an emetic episode during the entire study period. One child was completely free from nausea and vomiting throughout the study period. Antineoplastic and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting can be successfully prevented in the majority of children undergoing BMT. However, effective treatment strategies must be developed in the event of antiemetic failure and for effective prophylaxis in children who cannot tolerate dexamethasone.

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Acknowledgements

The contributions of the nursing staff of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at The Hospital for Sick Children are greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

    NMA Kusnierczyk & LL Dupuis

  2. Division of Haematology/Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

    EF Saunders & LL Dupuis

  3. Department of Pharmacy, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Clinical Services, Research and Education, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

    EF Saunders

  4. Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    EF Saunders

  5. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    LL Dupuis

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  1. NMA Kusnierczyk
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Kusnierczyk, N., Saunders, E. & Dupuis, L. Outcomes of antiemetic prophylaxis in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 30, 119–124 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1703579

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