[Motion sickness as a predictor of postoperative vomiting in children aged 1-16 years]

ABSTRACT

Post operative vomiting [POV] is one of the most distressing complications after surgery especially in children. Since prophylactic treatment in all patients may be accompanied by many side effects, we conducted a study to evaluate the history of motion sickness [MS] as a risk factor and its predictive value for post operative vomiting in children. In a prospective ªohort study, a sample of 100 consecutive patients aged 1-16 years scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were questioned, a history of MS was sought and patients were observed during next 24 hours for the subsequent development of POV. The overall incidence of POV was 30%. Twenty one patients were MS positive and 79 were negative. MS-positive children were more likely to vomit than those who were MS-negative [P=0.02]. Demographic data, type of surgery, technique of anesthesia, duration of fasting and surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups. The sensitivity of MS as a predictor of POV was 51% and the specificity 90%, giving a positive predictive value of 81% and negative predictive value 80%. Motion sickness is associated with POV in this group of children, and its positive predictive value is high