To Study the Efficacy of Intravenous Ondansetron on Cessation of Vomiting in 1 to 14 Years Old Children with Acute Gastroenteritis to Reduce Length of Hospital Stay

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of intravenous ondansetron on stoppage of vomiting in children having acute gastroenteritis to reduce hospital stay.

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Pediatric unit Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan from March 2019 to August 2019.

Materials and Methods: Study suggests intravenous ondansetron for children with acute gastroenteritis having uncontrolled vomiting. 390 patients, aged 1 to 14 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included, and randomly grouped. One received intravenous ondansetron, other received placebo. Inclusion criteria were the diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis and the absence of other diseases or allergies to drugs. Ondansetron was given intravenously at a dose of (0.15 mg/kg)(1); normal saline intravenously were given to  placebo group. Data were collected and analyzed in SPSS20.

Results: After drug administration 184 out of 196 patients(93.9%)in the ondansetron group completely ceases vomiting(mean :1.0612 /sd 0.24036/ p value <0.001)  and were discharge with a hospital stay of less than 4-6 hrs as compared to placebo group where only 9 patients out of 185(4.6%) have stopped vomiting (mean 1.9536 / SD. 21088).

Conclusion: We have concluded that intravenous ondansetron is safe for children to control vomiting acute gastroenteritis. This will result in complete cessation of vomiting that will decrease patients stay in hospital,therefore decreasing the cost of treatment.