Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Association with Ondansetron.

Objectives: To evaluate the use of ondansetron in a tertiary care pediatric health system, assess the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia within 24 hours of ondansetron, and identify the characteristics of children experiencing a ventricular tachyarrhythmia after ondansetron, to identify potential risk factors.

Study Design: This retrospective chart review identified children ≤18 years of age who received ondansetron within 24 hours prior to a ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Those identified were evaluated for other diagnoses, concomitant medication use, electrolyte abnormalities, or underlying conduction abnormalities that may have contributed to the arrhythmia.

Gabapentin use in pediatric spinal fusion patients: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Background: Gabapentin has opioid-sparing effects in adult surgical patients, but no reported studies have involved children and adolescents. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, we examined whether gabapentin decreases postoperative opioid consumption for pediatric spinal fusion patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods: Patients, aged 9 to 18 years, received preoperative gabapentin (15 mg/kg, treatment) or placebo.

Vomiting of liquid corticosteroids in children with asthma.

Background: Oral corticosteroids are an essential part of the management of children with acute asthma exacerbations. Vomiting is a frequently cited problem attributed to oral corticosteroids. A new formulation of prednisolone, Orapred, claims to have improved palatability that may decrease the incidence of vomiting.