Martin CS, et al. - In a randomized double-blind trial, researchers compared two strategies for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children: intraoperative acupuncture at the pericardium 6 (P6) point plus usual antiemetics vs antiemetics alone. A total of 86 of 161 children (aged 3-9 years) undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy were randomized to bilateral acupuncture at P6 plus antiemetics and the remaining 75 received antiemetics only. Ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg and dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg, up to 10 mg was administered to all. During phases I and II of PACU recovery, a record of nausea, retching, emesis and administration of additional antiemetics was maintained. On postoperative day 1 (POD 1), follow-up calls occurred. Less risk of developing nausea during phase I and II recovery was observed in children receiving acupuncture plus antiemetic therapy, however, no difference was found in PONV on POD 1. Even together with antiemetics, acupuncture could attenuate nausea in the PACU.