Abstract
Glucocorticosteroids form a substantial part of anti-emetic therapy during chemotherapy. Some parameters in relation to rational usage of glucocorticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone) such as dosage and time of administration, have never been studied. A meta-analysis of 29 studies (1,127 patients) is performed to assess the effects of some of these parameters on the efficacy of dexamethasone as additional anti-emetic during the first 24 hours of chemotherapy. The following can be concluded: dexamethasone should be used routinely as an additional agent in chemotherapy-induced emesis; the emetic activity of chemotherapy does not influence the anti-emetic efficacy of dexamethasone; there is a statistically significant, but possibly not clinically relevant, relation between the first intravenous dose of dexamethasone and its anti-emetic effect; a second dose of dexamethasone after chemotherapy administration or a prior evening dose does not enhance the efficacy.
| Translated title of the contribution | Dexamethasone and acute emesis: 'Dose finding' not found |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 350-354 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Pharmaceutisch Weekblad |
| Volume | 130 |
| Issue number | 14 |
| Publication status | Published - 1995 |
| Externally published | Yes |