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Other therapies
The study was terminated early and the reported findings were for approximately half the number
of expected participants (137/270). The groups were similar at study entry for age, sex, blood
glucose, dehydration status and number of vomiting episodes. The trial found that statistically
significantly more children who received placebo (9/44) required admission to hospital compared
with those who had received IV ondansetron (2/46) (RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.93). Statistically
significantly more children who received IV ondansetron tolerated oral rehydration 2 hours
after treatment (39/45) than those who received placebo (29/43) (RR 1.28; 95% 1.02 to 1.68).
However, results taken at 4 hours post treatment were not statistically significant. Results for mean
IV fluids administered and dehydration status were also similar between groups at 2 and 4 hours
post treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between IV dexamethasone and
placebo groups in hospital admission rates, the numbers of children tolerating oral rehydration,
mean IV fluids administered or dehydration status at 2 or 4 hours.
Figure 8.1 Comparison of the effect of ondansetron versus placebo on cessation of vomiting within the first few
hours of treatment
Figure 8.2 Comparison of the effect of ondansetron versus placebo on the need for IVT
Figure 8.3 Comparison of the effect of ondansetron versus placebo on the need for hospital readmission
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