H L McCabe1, A Maraveyas. 1. Academic Department of Oncology, Princess Royal Hospital, Saltshouse Road, Hull HU8 9HE, East Yorkshire, U.K.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis (DCIE) has significant patient and health economic impact. Up to 50% of patients on chemotherapy may develop DCIE. There is no accepted standard of care for DCIE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study of patients with high grade DCIE needing admission to hospital over a 2-year period. Single cycle delayed anti-emetic failure (DAF) per patient is reported. Twenty-five mg/24 hours subcutaneous levomepromazine rescue (SLR) was used. Control of nausea and vomiting was recorded in 2 time-periods: 0 to 24 hours and 24 to 48 hours. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (12 male, 20 female) required SLR. Median age 58 years (r. 35-76). Grade 0 nausea and vomiting (N and V) was attained within 24 hours in 75% and 81% of patients, respectively, and in 94% of patients for both by 48 hours. Side-effects of sedation and hypotension were mild. CONCLUSION: Levomepromazine has efficacious anti-emetic qualities in the rescue of patients with high grade DCIE needing hospital admission.
BACKGROUND: Delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis (DCIE) has significant patient and health economic impact. Up to 50% of patients on chemotherapy may develop DCIE. There is no accepted standard of care for DCIE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study of patients with high grade DCIE needing admission to hospital over a 2-year period. Single cycle delayed anti-emetic failure (DAF) per patient is reported. Twenty-five mg/24 hours subcutaneous levomepromazine rescue (SLR) was used. Control of nausea and vomiting was recorded in 2 time-periods: 0 to 24 hours and 24 to 48 hours. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (12 male, 20 female) required SLR. Median age 58 years (r. 35-76). Grade 0 nausea and vomiting (N and V) was attained within 24 hours in 75% and 81% of patients, respectively, and in 94% of patients for both by 48 hours. Side-effects of sedation and hypotension were mild. CONCLUSION:Levomepromazine has efficacious anti-emetic qualities in the rescue of patients with high grade DCIE needing hospital admission.
Authors: Iseli L Nantes; Tiago Rodrigues; Antonio C F Caires; Rodrigo L O R Cunha; Felipe S Pessoto; César H Yokomizo; Juliana C Araujo-Chaves; Priscila A Faria; Debora P Santana; Carolina G dos Santos Journal: J Bioenerg Biomembr Date: 2011-02 Impact factor: 2.945