Comparison of the effects of low dose methylprednisolone and metoclopramide on nausea and vomiting and respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy in children

Abstract

Aim: Since tonsillectomies and/or adenoidectomies performed in the pediatric age group under general anesthesia have a high rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), the practice of using prophylactic antiemetic drugs is common. This study aimed to compare the benefits of systemic administration of a low dose of inj. methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg with inj. metoclopramide 0.15 mg/kg IV for the prevention of PONV in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Methodology: In this study, the files of children undergone adenotonsillectomy from August 2015 to January 2018 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. 408 children aged 4-12 years were included in the study. Patients who were given methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg IV as premedication were placed in Group P, and patients who received metoclopramide 0.15 mg/kg were grouped as Group M. Effects on PONV, vomiting episodes, oral intake time, postoperative analgesic requirement, postoperative respiratory complications, and drug side effects were recorded.

Results: Vomiting rates between 1-4 hrs (late period) were 11.0% in Group M (n = 22); It was 3.8% (n = 8) in Group P. In the late period, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of nausea and vomiting (p = 0.02, p = 0.07, respectively). In Group M, the incidence of respiratory complications was also higher in the postoperative period compared to Group P. Postoperative acetaminophen requirement increased significantly in group M compared to Group P (p = 0.006).

Conclusion: Prophylactic use of a single dose of methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg IV during the preoperative period was more effective in reducing the incidence of late postoperative vomiting compared to metoclopramide and led to earlier tolerance of oral intake. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties and antiemetic effects, low-dose methylprednisolone is also useful for prevention of respiratory complications.

Key words: Methylprednisolone; Metoclopramide Hydrochloride; PONV; Respiratory complications; Tonsillectomy

Citation: Kepekci AB, Subasi B, Kepekci AH, Yarbil A. Comparison of the effects of low dose methylprednisolone and metoclopramide on nausea and vomiting and respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy in children. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2020;24(5):

Received: 29 July 2020, Reviewed: 22 September 2020, Revised: 30 August 2020, Accepted: 2 October 2020