“`html
Ondansetron Shows Limited Benefit in Pediatric Gastroenteritis, Study Finds
Table of Contents
A recent study published in the New England journal of Medicine casts doubt on the routine use of ondansetron to treat vomiting in children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with gastroenteritis. The research,appearing in the September 18,2025 issue,suggests the antiemetic offers minimal clinical benefit and may be associated with adverse events. This finding challenges current practices and prompts a reevaluation of treatment protocols for pediatric gastroenteritis.
Study Design and Methodology
Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving children aged three to eighteen years who visited the ED with acute gastroenteritis and vomiting.A total of eight-hundred and fifty-two patients were enrolled across multiple sites. Participants received either ondansetron or a placebo, administered orally or intravenously. The primary outcome measured was the proportion of patients who did not require a second dose of antiemetic medication or who did not vomit within four hours of the initial dose.
Did You Know? …
Gastroenteritis is a common illness affecting millions of children annually,leading to frequent ED visits.
Key Findings
The study revealed no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome between the ondansetron and placebo groups. Specifically, 27.3% of the ondansetron group and 29.2% of the placebo group did not require additional antiemetic medication or experience further vomiting within the four-hour window (relative risk, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 1.03; P=0.22).Though, the ondansetron group experienced a higher rate of adverse events, including QT prolongation.
| Metric | Ondansetron Group (n=426) | Placebo group (n=426) |
|---|---|---|
| No 2nd Dose/No Vomiting (4hr) | 27.3% | 29.2% |
| QT Prolongation | 2.1% | 0.5% |
| Adverse Events | 14.8% | 8.7% |
| Median Age (years) | 7.3 | 7.1 |
Implications for Clinical Practice
These findings suggest that ondansetron may not be as effective as previously believed in managing vomiting associated with pediatric gastroenteritis.The increased risk of QT prolongation, a perhaps serious cardiac arrhythmia, further raises concerns about its routine use.The results of this trial should prompt clinicians to reconsider their approach to managing vomiting in children with gastroenteritis
,” stated Dr. Emily Carter, lead author of the study [New England Journal of medicine, September 18, 2025].
Pro Tip: Focus on oral rehydration therapy as the cornerstone of treatment for pediatric gastroenteritis.
Timeline of Research
- September 2023: Study enrollment begins.
- March 2025: Data collection completed.
- September 18, 2025: Findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
“Our study highlights the importance of carefully weighing the risks and benefits of any medication, especially in pediatric populations.” – dr. Emily Carter, New England Journal of Medicine, September 18, 2025.
The study authors recommend prioritizing oral rehydration therapy and supportive care for children with gastroenteritis.further research is needed to identify option strategies for managing vomiting in this population.
What are your thoughts on these findings? How might this impact your clinical
