Author(s): Soodeh Hooshmandi*, Amir Khaujuei, Hamed Abbasizade Ghoroghchi, Farideh Moakkedi and Sajjad Rahimi Pordanjani
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in children, and antiemetic drugs such as ondansetron and Kytril are commonly used to prevent serious complications. However, based on previous research limitations, this study aimed to investigate the changes in cardiac parameters following the administration of these two drugs in pediatric patients.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on children admitted to Amiralmomenin Hospital in Semnan, Iran, between 2022-2023. Prior to drug administration, Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were obtained. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received Kytril, consisting of 47 male patients (47%) and 53 female patients (53%), while group 2 received ondansetron, consisting of 52 male patients (52%) and 48 female patients (48%). ECGs were obtained again half an hour after drug administration. The collected data, including PR and QTc intervals before and after drug administration, as well as post-drug Heart Rate (HR), were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests including chi-square, independent t-test, paired-sample t-test, and two-sample t-test.
Results: The two groups were similar in terms of mean age, weight, gender distribution, and mean PR and QTc intervals before drug administration. However, there was a significant increase in the mean PR and QTc intervals after drug administration in both the ondansetron and Kytril groups, indicating their prolonging effect on these intervals. The mean PR and QTc intervals after drug administration were comparable between the two groups, suggesting a similar effect of Kytril and ondansetron in increasing these intervals. The mean HR after drug administration was similar in both groups and within the normal range.
Conclusion: Based on this study, the use of Kytril and ondansetron for the control of nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients is associated with an increase in PR and QTc intervals.
