Association Between Body Mass, Dexamethasone Antiemetic Prophylaxis, and the Occurrence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of dexamethasone antiemetic prophylaxis (DAP) in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) may depend on several factors. The aim of our study was to determine whether PONV prevention depends on body mass among patients who received DAP.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study in patients operated on in the ENT, traumatology, and gynecology departments of Laquintinie Hospital, Douala. Cases were defined as patients who received DAP, while controls were patients who did not. Body mass was measured using a SECA 797 scale (precision: ± 100 g; graduation: 100 g). Pearson’s chi-square test with Fisher’s extraction was used to evaluate the association between body mass, DAP, and PONV occurrence.

Results: PONV was more frequent among controls, particularly in the weight ranges [50–59] kg (33.3%), [60–69] kg (39.1%), and [70–79] kg (35.7%) compared to cases. In the [60–69] kg group, a statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.036), with a higher proportion of PONV in controls (39.1%) compared to cases (9.5%).

Conclusion: The effectiveness of DAP in preventing PONV may depend on body mass, with a particular benefit observed in patients weighing between 60 and 69 kg.