Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of paediatric patients aged between two and 20 years who underwent craniotomy with a dural opening were eligible for inclusion in the review if they compared an intraoperative 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with placebo. The primary outcome of interest for the meta-analysis was an emetic event within 24 hours post surgery. The secondary outcome of interest was use of a rescue anti-emetic within 24 hours post surgery.
Included were studies of ondansetron (0.15mg/kg) in patients who underwent infratentorial and supratentorial scheduled craniotomy for brain tumour, with similar anaesthetic protocols. There was significantly more males than females and a higher age range in one of the two included studies conducted in USA and India. Other differences between the studies were noted in terms of measurements of vomiting and use of dexamethasone. Rescue anti-emetics used were droperidol or metoclopramide.
One reviewer carried out the initial screening of abstracts. Two reviewers independently selected studies for final inclusion.