Propofol with Varied Functions: A Potential Therapeutic Opportunity for Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting and Pruritus—A Narrative Review

Background: Despite the advances in anesthetics and non-pharmacological techniques, the prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in all patients remains high. It is one of the most common distressing symptoms that cause dissatisfaction among patients after anesthesia and surgery. A sub-hypnotic dose of propofol has been shown to reduce morphine-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus. This review article will provide sufficient knowledge on the role of propofol in minimizing opioid-induced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pruritus by providing detailed information on propofol antiemetic and antipruritic effects, as well as discussions based on empirically available data. Method: We conducted a narrative review of the literature published between 1990 and 2023 from a range of databases;PubMed, BioMed Central, Biosis Previews, Nature, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Springer-Link, and Elsevier. Discussion and Conclusion: The literatures reviewed in this study have demonstrated that propofol may have diverse therapeutic effects including antiemetic and antipruritic. The antiemetic effect of propofol may be an effective therapeutic approach for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The literature also demonstrated that the use of propofol for sedation during surgery may as well ameliorates opioids induced postoperative pruritus, which may be beneficial to surgical patients. Also, it was demonstrated that prophylactic use of propofol may be an effective way of preventing nausea and vomiting and pruritus during opioid use.

Association between operative position and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat morbid obesity,and postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)is one of the common complications after bariatric surgery.At present,the mechanism of the high incidence of PONV after weight-loss surgery has not been clearly explained,and this study aims to investigate the effect of surgical position on PONV in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.AIM To explore the effect of the operative position during bariatric surgery on PONV.METHODS Data from obese patients,who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)in the authors’hospital between June 2020 and February 2022 were divided into 2 groups and retrospectively analyzed.Multivariable logistic regression analysis and the t-test were used to study the influence of operative position on PONV.RESULTS There were 15 cases of PONV in the supine split-leg group(incidence rate,50%)and 11 in the supine group(incidence rate,36.7%)(P=0.297).The mean operative duration in the supine split-leg group was 168.23±46.24 minutes and 140.60±32.256 minutes in the supine group(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that operative position was not an independent risk factor for PONV(odds ratio=1.192,95%confidence interval:0.376-3.778,P=0.766).CONCLUSION Operative position during LSG may affect PONV;however,the difference in the incidence of PONV was not statistically significant.Operative position should be carefully considered for obese patients before surgery.

Effect of music therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in gastrointestinal cancer:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer,but it has many adverse reactions,particularly nausea and vomiting.Music therapy can reduce anxiety symptoms,avoid the response to the human body under various stress conditions through psychological adjustment,and improve the adverse reactions of chemotherapy.AIM To investigate the impact of music therapy on relieving gastrointestinal adverse reactions in chemotherapy for patients with digestive tract cancer by metaanalysis.METHODS EMBASE,PubMed,OVID,WoS,CNKI,CBM,and VIP database were all used for searching relevant literature,and the efficacy after treatment was combined for analysis and evaluation.RESULTS This study included seven articles.The results of meta-analysis indicated that music therapy could reduce the nausea symptom score of patients after chemotherapy[mean difference(MD)=-3.15,95%confidence interval(CI):-4.62 to-1.68,Z=-4.20,P<0.0001].Music therapy could reduce the vomiting symptom score of patients after chemotherapy(MD=-2.28,95%CI:-2.46 to-2.11,Z=-25.15,P<0.0001).Furthermore,music therapy could minimize the incidence of grade I and above nausea or vomiting in patients after chemotherapy(odds ratio=0.38,95%CI:0.26-0.56,Z=-4.88,P<0.0001).Meta-regression analysis found that publication year was not a specific factor affecting the combined results.There was no significant publication bias(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Music therapy can significantly improve the scores of nausea and vomiting symptoms in patients with digestive system cancer during chemotherapy and reduce the incidence of grade I and above nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy,making it an effective psychological intervention method worthy of clinical promotion.

Non-pharmacological management for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer:a scoping review

Objective:This review aimed to map and summarize published studies that tested non-pharmacological management for chemotherapyinduced nausea and vomiting(CINV).Methods:We searched for eligible studies in 5 electronic databases and screened the retrieved studies using the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Data were then collated according to the types of interventions,measurement tool,and outcomes.Results:The search yielded 2343 records,of which 11 were included.Four categories of non-pharmacological CINV management were made;manipulative and body-based therapy(n=5 studies);mind–body therapy(n=3 studies);biologically based practice(n=1 study),and energy therapy(n=2 studies).Seven different scales were used to measure CINV.Nine studies repor ted improvement in CINV.Conclusions:This scoping review demonstrates the breadth of non-pharmacological management to address CINV.Various types of CINV scales were used to measure CINV severity.The management and scale can be utilized to improve nursing care,par ticularly in cancer care.

Summary of the Best Evidence for the Evaluation and Management of Chemotherapy-Related Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients

Objective: To summarize the best evidence for the evaluation and management of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, so as to promote the standardized management of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. Methods: A computer search was conducted for all evidence on chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting interventions, including guidelines, expert consensus, best clinical practice information booklet, recommended practice, evidence summary, and systematic review. The search period is from April 30, 2022. After the literature quality evaluation, the evidence extraction and summary of the literature meeting the quality standards. Results: A total of 16 literatures were included, including 9 guidelines, 5 systematic reviews and 2 expert consensus papers. 46 pieces of best evidence on the assessment and management of chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients were summarized, including 6 aspects including risk assessment and management, non-drug management, drug management, multidisciplinary cooperation, education and training, and health education. Conclusion: This study summarized the current best evidence on the assessment and management of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. Clinical staff should apply evidence according to specific clinical scenarios, professional skills and patients’ wishes in order to reduce the degree and incidence of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients and improve the quality of care.

The Effects of Acupressure on Vomiting, Stress, and Anxiety in Chinese Pregnant Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Objective:To investigate the role of acupressure therapy in helping pregnant women with HG reduce the frequency or severity of vomiting and relieve stress and anxiety.Method:A quantitative study with a quasi-experimental design and non-equivalent group design was used.Sixty-six valid data points were obtained from pregnant mothers diagnosed with HG in a general hospital in Linyi City.These pregnant women received either acupressure(n=33)or general therapeutic care(n=33).They completed standardized questionnaires designed to assess vomiting,anxiety,and stress levels.Results:Data showed no differences between the experimental and control groups before the intervention.After the intervention,there were significant differences in anxiety(P≤0.05)and stress(P≤0.05)scores between the two groups.However,there was no significant difference in vomiting scores(P>0.05)between the two groups after the intervention.The anxiety and stress scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group post-intervention,while the vomiting scores of the two groups were similar.Conclusion:The findings suggest that acupressure significantly reduces anxiety and stress in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum(HG)and also helps reduce vomiting.Acupressure presents a viable clinical option for pregnant women seeking relief from HG symptoms.

Effect of anesthesia induction with butorphanol on postoperative nausea and vomiting:A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)are common complications that affect the recovery and well-being of elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery.AIM To investigate the effect of butorphanol on PONV in this patient population.METHODS A total of 110 elderly patients(≥65 years old)who underwent gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to receive butorphanol(40μg/kg)or sufentanil(0.3μg/kg)during anesthesia induction in a 1:1 ratio.The measured outcomes included the incidence of PONV at 48 h after surgery,intraoperative dose of propofol and remifentanil,Bruggrmann Comfort Scale score in the postanesthesia care unit(PACU),number of compressions for postoperative patientcontrolled intravenous analgesia(PCIA),and time to first flatulence after surgery.RESULTS The results revealed a noteworthy reduction in the occurrence of PONV at 24 h after surgery in the butorphanol group,when compared to the sufentanil group(T1:23.64%vs 5.45%,T2:43.64%vs 20.00%,P<0.05).However,no significant variations were observed between the two groups,in terms of the clinical characteristics,such as the PONV or motion sickness history,intraoperative and postoperative 48-h total infusion volume and hemodynamic parameters,intraoperative dose of propofol and remifentanil,number of postoperative PCIA compressions,time until the first occurrence of postoperative flatulence,and incidence of PONV at 48 h post-surgery(all,P>0.05).Furthermore,patients in the butorphanol group were more comfortable,when compared to patients in the sufentanil group in the PACU.CONCLUSION The present study revealed that butorphanol can be an efficacious substitute for sufentanil during anesthesia induction to diminish PONV within 24 h following gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery in the elderly,simultaneously improving patient comfort in the PACU.

Patterns of antiemetic prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in China

Background： Few studies have attempted to evaluate the use of antiemetic therapy for chemotherapyinduced nausea and vomiting （CINV） at a national level in China or to assess how treatment regimens adhere to current guidelines. Methods： We searched the China Health Insurance Research Association （CHIRA） Database to identify patients with cancer who were 〉 18 years old and received either moderately or highly emetogenie chemotherapy （MEC and HEC, respectively） between 2008 and 2012. Patients＇ characteristics as well as usage of specific antiemetic regimens were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results： Of the 14,548 patients included in the study, 6,477 received HEC while 8,071 were treated with MEC. Approximately 89.9% used antiemetics prophylactically to prevent acute CINV and 71.5% for delayed CINV while 9.0% were prescribed antiemetics as rescue therapy. A significantly lower proportion of patients treated with HEC received prophylactic antiemetic therapy for delayed CINV as compared to those treated with MEC （59.4% vs. 81.3 %; P〈0.001）. The HEC group had a slightly lower proportion of patients using a mixed regimen containing a 5-HT3 antagonist to prevent both acute and delayed CINV than the MEC group （P〈0.012）; however, a higher proportion received a mixed regimen containing eorticosteroids （P≤0.007）. Although more than half of the patients in the HEC group took three antiemeties to prevent acute and delayed CINV, these rates were significantly lower than those of the MEC group （both P〈0.001）. Finally, analysis of the regimens used revealed that there is over-utilization of drugs within the same class of antiemetic. Conclusions： These findings indicate that more attention is needed for treatment of delayed CINV, in terms of both overall use and the components of a typical treatment regimen.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with palonosetron on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a single.blind,randomized, controlled trial

Background: Chemotherapy?induced nausea and vomiting adversely affects the quality of life of patients who receive chemotherapy via intravenous infusion or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE). This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS) on nausea and vomiting after TACE.Methods: A total of 142 patients who received TACE with cisplatin for primary or metastatic liver cancer were assigned to the active?acupuncture(n = 72) or placebo?acupuncture(n Hegu(LI4), Neiguan(P6), an= 70) groups using a covariate?adaptive randomization at a ratio of 1:1. The acupointsd Zusanli(ST36) were stimulated twice daily for 6 days. The effects of TEAS on nausea and vomiting were assessed by using occurrence rate and severity of these symptoms. Anorexia scale and M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory(MDASI) scores were secondary endpoints and were used to assess the effect of TEAS on patient appetite and quality of life. The safety of the treatments was also monitored.Results: Between the two groups, the differences in occurrence rates and severities of nausea and vomiting after TACE were not significant(all P > 0.05). From the second day after TACE, anorexia scores were significantly lower in the active?acupuncture group than in the placebo?acupuncture group and continued to decrease over time with treat?ment(all P values less than 0.01). On days 0, 1, and 2, the mean MDASI scores for the active?acupuncture group were slightly lower than those for the placebo?acupuncture group, but the differences were not statistically significant(all P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the occurrence rate of any adverse event(P > 0.05).Conclusion: TEAS appears to be a safe and effective therapy to relieve patients' gastrointestinal discomfort after chemotherapy.

Evaluation of Adherence to Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Guidelines. An Observational Study

Objective: To describe the prescribing trends of antiemetics in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), assess adherence to American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines, and evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed antiemetics. Additionally, we also sought to explore barriers that hinder clinical practice guideline (CPG) implementation. Methods: One hundred fifty-five patients between the ages of 18 and 60 who were admitted to the haematology/oncology department/clinic to receive intravenous chemotherapy, either as in-patients or outpatients, were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Relevant patient demographic data, chemotherapy protocols and antiemetics were collected. Chemotherapies were classified according to their emetogenic potential. This information was used to assess whether the antiemetic prescribed matched the emetogenic risk of treatment. The analysis of outcomes was performed using the MASCC antiemetic assessment tool. Key Findings: The results showed that 95% of antiemetic prescription pre-chemotherapy regimens did not adhere to the guidelines. The findings were use of twice the recommended dose of granisetron (87.7%), overuse granisetron (16%) and metoclopramide (62.6%), and underuse dexamethasone (27%) and corticosteroid duplication (7.7%). With respect to post-chemotherapy antiemetic prescriptions, 91% of prescriptions were not adherent to guidelines, with overuse of granisetron (81.9%) and metoclpramide (34.2%) and underuse of dexamethasone (66.5%) being the most frequently reported trends. Conclusion: This study shows a lack of conformity to antiemetic guidelines, resulting mainly in overtreatment. Although vomiting was well-managed, nausea remains under controlled and requires additional medical attention. The lack of knowledge and motivation are considered barriers to CPG implementation.

Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Elective Hysterectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Outcomes Trial of Aprepitant NK-1-Receptor Antagonist

Objectives: Current prophylactic interventions fail to completely eliminate postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for a substantial number of patients. A new antiemetic (aprepitant) has been effective in preventing chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). We hypothesized that adding aprepitant to our current prophylactic regimen of dexamethasone and ondansetron would reduce the incidence of PONV in our elective hysterectomy population. Methods: 256 patients undergoing elective hysterectomy were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. Subjects received either oral aprepitant 40 mg or oral placebo 30 minutes prior to induction of standardized anesthesia. The primary outcome was vomiting within the first 24 hours after surgery. Postoperative nausea, vomiting, and use of rescue antiemetics were documented over a 24 h period. Additionally, adverse events, hospitalization days, and readmissions for PONV were compared. Results: There was a trend towards reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the aprepitant group. Nausea and vomiting were noted for 24% and 17% of women in the aprepitant group versus 38% and 29% of women in the Placebo group, respectively. Supplemental antiemetic medication was used by 42% of women in the aprepitant group versus 60% of women in the Placebo group. No adverse events were substantially more common in the aprepitant group than the Placebo group. Conclusions: Preemptive use of aprepitant prior to elective hysterectomy may reduce the incidence of PONV and diminish the need for rescue antiemetics postoperatively. Further studies with larger power are needed to confirm the trends observed in this study.

The selection rules of acupoints and meridians of traditional acupuncture for postoperative nausea and vomiting:a data mining-based literature study

Background:Postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)refers to a problem commonly occurring after surgery.Acupuncture is considered a critical complementary alternative therapy for PONV.The acupoints selection critically determines the efficacy of acupuncture,whereas the selection rules remain unclear.The objective of the present study was to delve into the principles of acupoints selection for PONV using data mining technology.Methods:The clinical trials assessing the acupuncture effect for PONV were searched with the use of computer in PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Chinese Biomedical Database;the time span was confined as 2009–2019.The database of acupuncture prescriptions for PONV was built using Excel 2016;the description and association were analyzed by IBM SPSS modeler 18.Result:Eighty-three relevant literatures were screened out.The number of specific acupoints took up 72.5%of all acupoints;specific acupoints exhibited the frequency taking up 91.30%of the total frequency.As revealed from the result,Neiguan(PC 6),Zusanli(ST 36),Hegu(LI 4),and Zhongwan(CV 12)were most frequently applied,suggesting the tightest associations.Most acupoints were taken from the stomach meridian and pericardium meridian.The common acupoints were concentrated in the lower limbs,chest,as well as abdomen.Conclusion:Data mining acts as a feasible method to identify acupoints selection and compatibility characteristics.As suggested from our study,the acupoints selection for PONV prioritizes specific acupoints and related meridians.The selection and combination of acupoints comply with the theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting:a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

However,the best choice of acupuncture therapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting remains controversy.Methods:Several databases were searched from inception to April 2020.Randomized controlled trials met the criterion were included.Risk of bias was implemented with Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.Addis,R,OpenBUGS and STATA were used to conduct meta-analysis.The evidence was assessed by GRADE profiler 3.6.Results:Fifty studies involving 5980 patients were included.The risk of bias of most included studies were acceptable.The results of network meta-analyses indicated,compared with placebo,electroacupuncture was the best choice for postoperative nausea(odds ratio=0.09,95%confidence interval:0.02-0.51)and acupoint plaster for postoperative vomiting(odds ratio=0.07,95%confidence interval:0.01-0.42),acupoint catgut embedding+5HTRA for postoperative nausea and vomiting(odds ratio=0.05,95%confidence interval:0.01-0.15),and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation+5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists for postoperative rescue antiemetics(odds ratio=0.14,95%confidence interval:0.08-0.46).Conclusion:It was suggested transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation+5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists was the best choice.The results provided guidance for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

MAGNETIC DISK APPLIED ON NEIGUAN POINT FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CISPLATIN-INDUCED NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Cisplatin is commonly used in the treat-ment of cancers,but at the same time oftencauses side-effects like severe nausea andvomiting,which cannot be prevented ortreated satisfactorily with ordinary westernor traditional Chinese drugs,thus hinderingthe chemotherapy from being carried outsmoothly.We tried several methods to tack-le the situation,and found that placing a flatpiece of magnetic disk on Neiguan pointhad a remarkable effect.The following is areport of our work.

Preoperative Concern about Nausea and Vomiting and Postoperative Use of Antiemetics among Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer-Related Surgery

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can lead to complications and increased healthcare costs. We investigated whether patient preoperative concern about PONV is associated with postoperative antiemetic use, independently of Apfel score. Methods: Patients eligible for study were English- or Spanish-speaking women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy, lumpectomy or reconstructive surgery as outpatients during July 2014-July 2017, when the pre-anesthesia clinic routinely screened for preoperative concern via tablet computer-based survey. Excluded were patients who did not rate their concern or lacked Apfel score. Risk factors for concern were evaluated in a multinomial model adjusted for multiple hypotheses. Using generalized linear regression, preoperative concern was tested for association with number of antiemetics administered in the postanesthesia care unit. Results:?Of preoperative surveys, 7.1% (58/812) were excluded for missing data, leaving n = 754 surveys contributed by n = 706 subjects (age 26 - 80 years). Patient preoperative concern ranged from none (32.8%), mild (30.2%), moderate (22.9%), severe (7.8%), to very severe (6.2%). Adjusted for age, concern was increased by history of motion sickness (Odds Ratio 1.51, 95% Confidence Interval 1.11 - 2.06) and history of PONV (9.02, 6.30 - 12.90) and decreased by prior surgery without PONV (0.35, 0.23 - 0.53) and Spanish as primary language (0.42, 0.25 - 0.68). Number of postoperative antiemetics, usually 1 (41.2%) or 2 (33.4%) drugs, was unassociated with preoperative concern before or after adjustment for Apfel score. Conclusions: Among women undergoing breast cancer-related surgery, preoperative concern about PONV varies by prior history of PONV and motion sickness and by ethnicity. However, preoperative concern is not associated with postoperative antiemetic medications.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of P6 Acupuncture Plus Ondansetron versus Ondansetron or P6 Acupuncture in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting after Bupivacaine-Morphine Spinal Anesthesia

Objective: To compare P6 acupuncture plus ondansetron with either ondansetron or P6 acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients submitted to spinal anesthesia. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed with 90 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine, 15 to 17.5 mg, and morphine, 100 μg. They were assigned to one of the three groups: Group Ondansetron (n = 30), patients were given ondansetron, 8 mg intravenously, before spinal block was performed;Group P6 acupuncture (n = 30), patients were subjected to bilateral electrical stimulation of P6 acupoint for 30 minutes before anesthesia;and Group P6 acupuncture plus ondansetron (n = 30), the exact combination of the groups Ondansetron and P6 acupuncture. Results: In the post anesthesia care unit, the incidence of nausea and vomiting ranged from 13.3% to 26.7% and from 6.7% to 13.3%, respectively, with no significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). Ondansetron group had the highest incidence of nausea (73.3%) (p < 0.001) and vomiting (43.3%) (p < 0.001) at the ward from 0 to 24 hours, followed by P6 acupuncture (33.3% and 26.7%) and P6 acupuncture plus ondansetron groups (16.0% and 0%). Conclusion: Preoperative stimulation of P6 acupoint in combination with ondansetron has higher efficacy than either P6 acupoint stimulation or the administration of ondansetron on the prevention of PONV in patients submitted to bupivacaine-morphine spinal anesthesia.

Effectiveness of a novel, fixed dose combination of netupitant and palonosetron in prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: A real-life study from India

BACKGROUND A new,oral fixed dose combination of highly selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist,netupitant with 5HT3 receptor antagonist,netupitant and palonosetron(NEPA)was approved in India for prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting(CINV).AIM To assess effectiveness of NEPA in real-world scenario.METHODS We retrospectively assessed the medical records and patient dairies of adult patients who received highly emetogenic or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy(HEC/MEC)and treated with NEPA(Netupitant 300 mg+Palanosetron 0.50 mg)for prevention of CINV.Complete response(CR)was defined as no emesis or no requirement of rescue medication in overall phase(0 to 5 d),acute phase(0-24 h)and delayed phase(2 to 5 d).RESULTS In 403 patients included in the analysis,mean age was 56.24±11.11 years and 55.09%were females.Breast cancer(25.06%)was most common malignancy encountered.HEC and MEC were administered in 54.6%and 45.4%patients respectively.CR in overall phase was 93.79%whereas it was 98.01%in acute CINV and 93.79%in delayed CINV.Overall CR in HEC and MEC groups was 93.63%and 93.98%respectively.CR was more than 90%in different chemotherapy cycles except in group of patients of cycle 4 where CR was 88.88%.CONCLUSION NEPA is a novel combination that is effective in preventing CINV in up to 93%cases treated with highly emetogenic or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.This study brings the first real-life evidence of its effectiveness in India population.

Controlling Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting with Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists in Patients on AC-Based Chemotherapy—Are We There Yet?

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK1-RAs) have been incorporated in the contemporary management of CINV. However, clinical studies on NK1-RAs have shown mixed results in reducing CINV risk. Most studies focused on the use of aprepitant (APR) and casopitant (CAS) in breast cancer patients receiving AC-type (doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy. In this study, we compared the study design and clinical efficacies of these NK1-RAs in reducing CINV risk. Among the selected eight studies, 4 APR Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), 2 APR Observational Studies (OSs) and 2 CAS RCTs were identified. Patient-related characteristics such as the proportion of females (60.0% - 100.0%), age (46.5 - 59.5 years), histories of motion (5.6% - 47.0% in NK1-RA arms) and morning sicknesses (14.2% - 45.0% in NK1-RA arms) and types of antiemetic regimens;as well as chemotherapy-related characteristics such as the proportion of patients on AC chemotherapy (15.0% - 100.0%) varied greatly. In terms of efficacies, both APR and CAS improved overall CR and vomiting in majority of the studies. None of the studies, however, demonstrated that NK1-RA could provide adequate nausea control. To conclude, NK1-RAs are effective in improving vomiting and overall CR, but not useful in controlling nausea or attaining CC, the ideal CINV endpoint. A shift in paradigm is needed for future CINV research. As healthcare providers continue to strive for optimum CINV control in their patients, we hope this review can help them make better informed clinical decisions.

Auricular therapy for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients:Perspectives from the traditional zang-fu organs and meridians theory

This paper presents the theoretical background of using auricular therapy(AT)for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting(CINV)from the perspectives of traditional zang-fu organs and meridian theory.The zang-fu organs of stomach,spleen and liver play a crucial role in regulating the gastrointestinal functions.The chemotherapeutic agents can significantly impede the gastrointestinal functions and subsequently contribute to various gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea and vomiting.Dysfunctions of the stomach,spleen and liver can correspond to specific auricular acupoints,while by stimulating those acupoints,the chaotic Qi movement can be reversed to its normal status,and the hyperactivities of the gastrointestinal system can also be alleviated to reduce the CINV symptoms.Clinical studies based on such theory have well supported the effects of AT on CINV.However,relationships between the traditional theory and the modern medicine understanding of the CINV mechanisms remain unknown and should be further explored in future research.

橘皮竹茹汤对化疗性异食癖大鼠模型5-羟色胺3受体蛋白和mRNA表达的影响

目的观察橘皮竹茹汤对化疗性异食癖大鼠模型止呕作用及对5-羟色胺3受体(5-HT3R)蛋白和mRNA的影响。方法将36只Wistar雄性大鼠随机分为正常对照组、中药对照组(橘皮竹茹汤10.6 g/kg,不造模)、模型组、昂丹司琼组(2.6 mg/kg)、橘皮竹茹汤低剂量组(5.3 g/kg)和橘皮竹茹汤高剂量组(10.6 g/kg),每组6只。各组大鼠给予相应干预措施6 d(每日2次)后,采用腹腔注射顺铂(6 mg/kg)的方式诱导建立化疗性异食癖大鼠模型,观察并记录造模后24 h内大鼠体质量、摄食量和高岭土摄入量的变化。继续干预1 d后,苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察各组大鼠胃窦、回肠组织形态学变化;实时荧光定量逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-qPCR)法检测延髓、回肠组织中5-HT3R、色氨酸羟化酶(TPH)、单胺氧化酶A(MAOA)mRNA表达;Western blot法检测延髓组织中5-HT3R蛋白的表达。结果①与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠体质量、摄食量降低(P<0.05),高岭土摄入量显著增加(P<0.05);与模型组比较,昂丹司琼组和橘皮竹茹汤低、高剂量组大鼠高岭土摄入量显著降低(P<0.05)。②HE染色显示,与正常对照组比较,模型组胃窦组织上皮细胞受损,固有层腺体排列疏松、紊乱,回肠上皮部分缺失,腺体排列紊乱;与模型组比较,昂丹司琼组和橘皮竹茹汤低、高剂组胃窦和回肠组织病理改变减轻。③RT-qPCR结果显示,与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠延髓、回肠5-HT3R mRNA表达水平显著升高(P<0.05),回肠MAOA mRNA表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,橘皮竹茹汤高剂量组大鼠延髓5-HT3R mRNA表达水平明显降低(P<0.05),橘皮竹茹汤低剂量组回肠TPH1 mRNA、橘皮竹茹汤高剂量组延髓TPH2 mRNA表达水平明显降低(P<0.05),昂丹司琼组、橘皮竹茹汤低剂量组、橘皮竹茹汤高剂量组回肠MAOA mRNA表达水平明显升高(P<0.05)。④Western blot结果显示,与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠延髓5⁃HT3R蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,橘皮竹茹汤高剂量组大鼠延髓5-HT3R蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。结论橘皮竹茹汤可以通过抑制延髓5-HT3R蛋白和mRNA的表达,调控5-羟色胺合成与代谢相关酶,进而改善化疗导致的恶心呕吐。