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.