Predictors of Control of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting;
experience from a tertiary oncology center in Pakistan
Abstract
Background: CINV is a known distressful symptom in pediatric cancer
patients. In a resource-limited setting, insight regarding CINV
frequency and current practice can help optimize symptom control.
Methods: Prospective study in the pediatric oncology daycare and
inpatient services within a tertiary care hospital over 6 months.
Patient demographics, chemotherapy and antiemetic regimen details were
recorded. Frequency of acute nausea, vomiting and nausea severity for
each session was recorded using a self-report questionnaire. Primary
outcome was complete control (CC) (defined as no acute nausea or
vomiting). Secondary outcomes included nausea severity and antiemetic
prescription patterns. Results: A total of 61 (median age 7 years,
45.9% girls) patients received chemotherapy over 265 visits (85
single-day, 56 blocks). Inpatient sessions were more frequently of high
emetogenicity (47.8% of 138 sessions) and most daycare sessions
moderately emetogenic (79.5% of 127). Overall CC was 65.7%,
significantly better for inpatients (73.2%, P<.009) and for
sessions with weight-appropriate ondansetron dosing (p = 0.033). Odds of
experiencing nausea (median severity 4) were higher in day care (OR
2.11, 95% CI 1.13-3.92) and lower (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09-0.72) when
ondansetron dosing was weight-appropriate. CC did not vary significantly
with age or gender. Conclusion: The overall CC rate was 65%, and was
significantly higher for inpatients, highly emetogenic regimens, and
when appropriate ondansetron dosing was used. This study identified gaps
in our antiemetic practice, with moderately emetogenic sessions failing
to receive guideline-recommended antiemetics, correlating with
significantly lower complete control for daycare sessions.