Ethnic variation in fluorescein angiography induced nausea and vomiting

Purpose A prospective survey was undertaken to investigate ethnic variation s in the frequency of nausea and vomiting after fundus fluorescein angiogra phy (FFA). Method Between May and September 1998, 197 adult patients were recruited to the study. A questionnaire containing closed-ended questions was completed by nurses after each FFA and a questionnaire was given to patients to comp lete 5 hours after the procedure at home. Patients' anxiety level was measu red before FFA using a 5-item ordinal response scale. Results Results indicate that patients from black, Asian, Chino-Asian and m ixed ethnic origins are significantly more likely to vomit and feel nauseou s immediately after the administration of fluorescein dye. Patients with a history of nausea after FFA are significantly more likely to feel nauseous again after repeat FFA. Conclusion Ethnic origin and a previous history of nausea and vomiting appe ar to be important factors in FFA-induced nausea and vomiting. The results of this study have led the investigators to develop a protocol for the prop hylactic treatment of nausea and vomiting following FFA.