Is there a place for genetics in the management of PONV?

ABSTRACT

Antiemetic prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) - a frequent complication in the postoperative period - is routinely given to high-risk patients. However, standard PONV risk models do not account for genetic factors, which have been shown to have a significant influence on PONV incidence and drug response. In this review, we describe the polymorphisms of various genes (serotonin, dopamine, cholinergic, etc.) and how pharmacogenomics is involved in the pathophysiology of PONV. This review also addresses how genetics is involved in today's clinical practice related to PONV and how it will change in the upcoming years as personalized medicine advances.