Enhancement of the antiemetic action of ondansetron by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 antiemetic point, in patients having highly emetic cytotoxic drugs
1991

Enhancing Nausea Relief with Ondansetron and Electrical Stimulation

Sample size: 16 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): C. McMillan, J.W. Dundee, W.P. Abram

Primary Institution: Northern Ireland Centre for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Belvoir Park Hospital, Belfast

Hypothesis

Does transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 point enhance the antiemetic effect of ondansetron in patients receiving highly emetic chemotherapy?

Conclusion

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 point significantly improves the antiemetic effect of ondansetron in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study involved 16 patients who received chemotherapy and were treated with ondansetron.
  • Patients reported their levels of nausea and vomiting over a 5-day period.
  • The combination of ondansetron and electrical stimulation showed a significant improvement in nausea relief.

Takeaway

This study found that using a special electrical stimulation on a wrist point can help people feel less sick when they take a medicine for nausea.

Methodology

A randomized crossover study comparing nausea and vomiting in patients receiving ondansetron alone versus ondansetron with transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 point over a 5-day chemotherapy period.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to patient involvement and awareness of treatment.

Limitations

Patients and staff were aware of the treatment being studied, which may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Hospitalized patients undergoing highly emetic chemotherapy.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0005

Statistical Significance

p=0.0005

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