The Postanesthesia Care Unit - Considerations for Pediatric Recovery

PONV

PONV is more common in the pediatric surgery population than in adults; however, children under the age of 2 years old are exceptions and have a reduced incidence relative to adults. Certain operations (adenotonsillectomy, strabismus repair, hernia repair, orchidopexy, and penile surgery) are associated with increased incidence for PONV. Risk factors, as well as the general principles for prevention and treatment, are similar to those described in adults. There is reasonable evidence to suggest ondansetron (100 μg/kg IV bolus for <6 months old; 150 μg/kg IV bolus >6 months old up to 4 mg) and dexamethasone (62.5 to 500 μg/kg up to 8 mg) are superior to other drugs in the prevention of PONV in children.

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