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Cyclic vomiting syndrome

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Cyclic vomiting syndrome
Other names: Cyclical vomiting syndrome
SpecialtyGastroenterology
SymptomsRecurring episodes of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain[1]
ComplicationsDehydration, electrolyte problems, esophageal tear[2]
DurationLong-term[1]
TypesAdult onset, childhood onset, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)[3][1]
CausesUnknown[1]
Risk factorsPersonal or family history of migraines[1]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptom after ruling out other causes[1]
Differential diagnosisGallbladder disease, pancreatitis, morning sickness, gastric volvulus, malrotation, acute hepatic porphyria[1][2]
PreventionAmitriptyline, topiramate, aprepitant[1]
TreatmentSupportive care, ondansetron, triptans, hospitalization[1]
Frequency2%[1]

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder that results in recurring episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.[1] Episoids are typically sudden in onset and last from a few hours to days.[1][4] Some drink large amounts of fluid prior to vomiting.[1] Other symptoms may include anxiety, depression, and autonomic dysfunction.[1] It is a long-term condition.[1] Complications may include dehydration, electrolyte problems, and esophageal tear.[2]

While the cause is unknown, it is beleived to involved multiple factors.[1][4] Those affected often have a personal or family history of migraines.[1] Episoids may be triggered by psychological stress, insufficient sleep, or mensturation.[1][4] Diagnosis is based on specific criteria after medical imaging and upper endoscopy in adults to rule out other potential causes.[1][5] Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a subtype.[1]

Acute attacks may be treated by supportive care with medications such as ondansetron, triptans, and antihistamines.[1] Occationally ketamine or hospitalization is required.[1][3] Some find hot baths helpful.[1] Prevention of attacks may include the ongoing use of amitriptyline, topiramate, or aprepitant and stopping cannabis use.[1][2] An emergency care plan may be useful.[1]

Cyclic vomiting syndrome affects 2% of people.[1] Females are more commonly affected than males.[1] Among adults it is most common in people's 30s and 40s; while in children about 70% see resolution by adulthood.[1] It was first described in 1861 by Lombard.[3] It can result in a decreased ability to work and relationship stress.[1]

Signs and symptoms

Adults Children
Mean age of diagnosis 29–34 years old 3–7 years old
Mean duration of episodes 3–6 days few hours to 4 days
Mean Inter-episodic duration 1–3 months 1 week to 1 month
Presence of Prodrome phase common common
Recovery time lasting several days lasting hours to days
Vomiting universal up to 6 times an hour universal up to 6 times an hour
Abdominal pain common (57–70%) common (68–80%)
Upper Gastrointestinal Complications common (38%) common (22–32%)
Headaches common common
Fever not common not common
Dehydration needing IV fluids common common with longer attacks
Family history with migraines common (30–70%) common (40–89%)
Psychiatric disorders common common
Inter-episodic nausea/pain common rare
Mitochondrial DNA disorders not reported reported
Cannabis use reported not reported
Unpleasant triggers common (67%) common harder to pinpoint

Affected individuals may vomit or retch 6–12 times in an hour and an episode may last from a few hours to over three weeks and in some cases months, with a median episode duration of 41 hours.[6] Stomach acid, bile and, if the vomiting is severe, blood may be vomited. Some with the condition will ingest water to reduce the irritation of bile and acid on the esophagus during emesis. Between episodes, the affected individual is usually normal and healthy otherwise but can be in a weak state of fatigue or experience muscle pain. In approximately half of cases the attacks, or episodes, occur in a time-related manner. Each attack is stereotypical; that is, in any given individual, the timing, frequency and severity of attacks is similar. Some affected people experience episodes that progressively get worse when left untreated, occurring more frequently with reduced symptom free phase.[7]

Episodes may happen every few days, every few weeks or every few months, for some happening at common uniform times, typically mornings.[7] For other affected people, there is not a pattern in time that can be recognized. Some with the condition have a warning of an episodic attack; they may experience a prodrome, some documented prodromal symptoms include: unusually intense nausea and pallor, excess salivation, sweating, flushing, rapid/irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, anxiety/panic, food aversion, restlessness/insomnia, irritability, depersonalization, fatigue/listlessness, intense feelings of being hot or chilled, intense thirst, shivering/shaking, retching, tachypnea, abdominal pain/cramping, limb paresthesias, hyperesthesia, photophobia, phonophobia, headache, and dyspnea, heightened sensitivity, especially to light, though sensitivity to smell, sound, pressure, and temperature, as well as oncoming muscle pain and fatigue, are also reported by some patients. Many experience a full panic attack when nausea begins and continue to panic once the vomiting has begun. Medications like Lorazepam, Alprazolam, and other benzodiazepines are prescribed by their doctors and instructed to take immediately at the onset of any of their CVS symptoms and/or triggers. Some prodromal symptoms are present inter-episodically as well as during acute phases of illness. The majority of affected people can identify triggers that may precede an attack. The most common are various foods, infections (such as colds), menstruation, extreme physical exertion, lack of sleep, and psychological stresses, both positive and negative.[citation needed]

An affected person may also be light-sensitive (photophobic), sound-sensitive (phonophobic) or, less frequently, temperature- or pressure-sensitive during an attack.[8] Some people also have a strong urge to bathe in warm or cold water. In fact, many people with CVS experience a compulsion to be submerged in hot water, and end up taking several baths during the duration of an episode. For some the psychological compulsion to be in hot water is so extreme that they cannot stop themselves from taking very long baths in near scalding hot water several times per day. For some of these people, they may have just finished taking a lengthy bath in extremely hot water and immediately feel this compulsion again and end up taking another bath right after drying off. Some people with the condition experience insomnia, diarrhea (GI complications), hot and cold flashes, and excessive sweating before an episode. Some report that they experience a restless sensation or stinging pain along the spine, hands, and feet followed by weakness in both legs. Some of these symptoms may be due to dehydration or hypokalemia from excessive vomiting, rather than the underlying cause of CVS.

Cause

There is no known genetic cause. Though individuals may have a family history of related conditions, such as migraines, psychiatric disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Inheritance is thought to be maternal, a possible genetic mitochondrial inheritance. Adolescents show higher possible mitochondrial inheritance and maternal inheritance than found in adults. Single base-pair and DNA rearrangements in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been associated with these traits.[9][10]

Diagnosis

The cause of CVS has not been determined and there are no diagnostic tests for CVS. Several other medical conditions, such as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), can mimic the same symptoms, and it is important to rule these out. If all other possible causes have been excluded, a diagnosis of CVS using Rome criteria by a physician may be appropriate.[7]

Once formal investigations to rule out gastrointestinal or other causes have been conducted, these tests do not need to be repeated in the event of future episodes.[8]

Criteria

The Rome IV process criteria, after ruling out other possible causes (such as intestinal malrotation) are used for diagnosis.[7] There is no specific blood test or imaging finding. People must meet all three of the following criteria to receive diagnosis:

  1. Stereotypical episodes of acute vomiting each with a duration of less than 1 week
  2. A history of at least three discrete episodes in the prior year and at least two episodes in the past 6 months, each occurring at least 1 week apart
  3. An absence of vomiting between episodes, but other milder symptoms can be present between cycles

Criteria must be fulfilled for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis. A history of family history of migraine headaches can also be used in facilitating diagnosis.[11]

Treatment

Treatment is based on the phase of the disorder.[12]

Because the symptoms of CVS are similar (or perhaps identical) to those of the disease well-identified as "abdominal migraine," prophylactic migraine medications, such as topiramate and amitriptyline, have seen recent success in treatment for the prodrome and vomiting phases, reducing the duration, severity, and frequency of episodes.[13] Amitriptyline is used starting at a dose of 25 mg at night and increased to 75 to 100 mg.[1]

Therapeutic treatment for the prodromal phase, characterized by the anticipation of an episode, consists of sumatriptan (nasal or oral) an anti-migraine medication, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce abdominal pain, and possible anti-emetic drugs. These options may be helpful in preventing an episode or reducing the severity of an attack.[14][15]

The most common therapeutic strategies for those already in the vomiting phase are maintenance of salt balance by appropriate intravenous fluids. Sedation via high dose intravenous benzodiazepines, typically lorazepam, has been shown to shorten the length of emergency department stays for some patients.[16] Having vomited for a long period prior to attending a hospital, patients are typically severely dehydrated. For a number of patients, potent anti-emetic drugs such as ondansetron (Zofran) or granisetron (Kytril), and dronabinol (Marinol) may be helpful in either preventing an attack, aborting an attack, or reducing the severity of an attack. Many patients seek comfort during episodes by taking prolonged showers and baths typically quite hot. The use of a heating pad may also help reduce abdominal pain.[17]

Lifestyle changes may be recommended, such as extended rest, reduction of stress, frequent small meals, and to abstain from fasting. A diet change may be recommended avoid food allergens, eliminating trigger foods such as chocolates, cheese, beer, and red wine.[18][19]

Some patients experience relief from inhaled isopropyl alcohol.[20]

Intravenous Haloperidol may be an effective treatment.[21]

Prognosis

Among 41 children the average age of the sample was 6 years at the onset of the syndrome, 8 years at first diagnosis, and 13 years at follow-up. As many as 39% of the children had resolution of symptoms immediately or within weeks of the diagnosis. Vomiting had resolved at the time of follow-up in 61% of the sample. Many children, including those in the remitted group, continued to have somatic symptoms such as headaches (in 42%) and abdominal pain (in 37%).[22]

Most children who have this disorder miss on average 24 school days a year.[18] The frequency of episodes is higher for some people during times of excitement.[18] Charitable organizations to support affected people and their families and to promote knowledge of CVS exist in several countries.

Among 41 adults who had been previously seen for complaints compatible with CVS. The average age at presentation of the sample was 34 years, and the mean age at onset was 21 years. The mean duration of the CVS at the time of consultation was 12 years. Of the 39 patients surveyed, 85% had episodes that were fairly uniform in length. Most patients reported these attacks in the morning hours. Of those 39 patients, 32% were completely disabled and required financial support due to CVS. Despite this, data suggests that the prognosis for CVS is generally favorable.[17]

Complications can include dehydration, dental caries, or an esophageal tear.[23]

Epidemiology

The average age at onset is 3–7 years, with described cases as young as 6 days and as old as 73 years.[24] Typical delay in diagnosis from onset of symptoms is 3 years.[24] Females show a slight predominance over males.[24]

One study found that 3 in 100,000 five-year-olds are diagnosed with the condition.[25] Two studies on childhood CVS suggest nearly 2% of school-age children may have CVS.[26][27]

History

Cyclic vomiting syndrome was first described in France by Swiss physician Henri Clermond Lombard[28] and first described in the English language by pediatrician Samuel Gee in 1882.[29]

It has been suggested that Charles Darwin's adult illnesses may have been due to this syndrome.[30] Darwin's illness had features seen in patients with cyclic vomiting, in particular his susceptibility to seasickness when onboard HMS Beagle, episodes being brought on by pleasurable events, and his periods of extreme lethargy dating back to his university student days. However in Darwin's case it is argued that his vomiting was due to an inherited mitochondrial disorder.[31]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 Frazier, R; Li, BUK; Venkatesan, T (1 July 2023). "Diagnosis and Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A Critical Review". The American journal of gastroenterology. 118 (7): 1157–1167. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000002216. PMID 36791365.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Davis, A; Bryant, JH (January 2025). "Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome". StatPearls. PMID 29763194.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lathrop, JR; Rosen, SN; Heitkemper, MM; Buchanan, DT (1 May 2023). "Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: The State of the Science". Gastroenterology nursing : the official journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. 46 (3): 208–224. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000730. PMID 37074964.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Cyclical vomiting syndrome". nhs.uk. NHS. 18 October 2017. Archived from the original on 13 March 2025. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
  5. ↑ Kovacic, K; Li, BUK (February 2021). "Cyclic vomiting syndrome: A narrative review and guide to management". Headache. 61 (2): 231–243. doi:10.1111/head.14073. PMID 33619730.
  6. ↑ Li BU, Fleisher DR (August 1999). "Cyclic vomiting syndrome: features to be explained by a pathophysiologic model". Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 44 (8 Suppl): 13S – 18S. doi:10.1023/A:1026662402734. PMID 10490033. S2CID 295292.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Bhandari S, Jha P, Thakur A, Kar A, Gerdes H, Venkatesan T (April 2018). "Cyclic vomiting syndrome: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment". Clinical Autonomic Research. 28 (2): 203–209. doi:10.1007/s10286-018-0506-2. PMID 29442203. S2CID 3324893.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lindley KJ, Andrews PL (September 2005). "Pathogenesis and treatment of cyclical vomiting". Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 41 (Suppl 1): S38-40. doi:10.1097/01.scs.0000180299.04731.cb. PMID 16131963. S2CID 25060114.
  9. ↑ "Cyclic vomiting syndrome?". medlineplus.gov. US: National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  10. ↑ Venkatesan T, Zaki EA, Kumar N, et al. (October 2014). "Quantitative pedigree analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequence variants in adults with cyclic vomiting syndrome". BMC Gastroenterology. 14 (1): 181. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-14-181. PMC 4287476. PMID 25332060.
  11. ↑ "Rome IV Criteria". Rome Foundation. 16 January 2016. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  12. ↑ "Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Causes". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2021-03-17.
  13. ↑ Paul SP, Barnard P, Soondrum K, Candy DC (May 2012). "Antimigraine (low-amine) diet may be helpful in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome". Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 54 (5): 698–9. doi:10.1097/MPG.0b013e31824ca0a2. PMID 22302150.
  14. ↑ Kowalczyk, Monika; Parkman, Henry; Ward, Lawrence (2010). "Adult Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Successfully Treated with Intranasal Sumatriptan". Journal of General Internal Medicine. 25 (1): 88–91. doi:10.1007/s11606-009-1162-y. ISSN 0884-8734. PMC 2811593. PMID 19911235.
  15. ↑ Vidula, Mahesh K.; Wadhwani, Anil; Roberts, Kaleigh; Berkowitz, Lyle L. (2014). "Use of a once-daily NSAID in treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome". Journal of General Internal Medicine. 29 (3): 543–546. doi:10.1007/s11606-013-2624-9. ISSN 1525-1497. PMC 3930795. PMID 24129856.
  16. ↑ Liu, Joy; Young, Kimberly; Silvernale, Casey; Sawhney, Veer; Ludwig, Andrew; Cangemi, David; Lembo, Anthony; Kuo, Braden (October 2018). "Acute Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Patients in the Emergency Department Setting: 440". Official Journal of the American College of Gastroenterology | ACG. 113: S256 – S257. doi:10.14309/00000434-201810001-00440. ISSN 0002-9270.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Fleisher DR, Gornowicz B, Adams K, Burch R, Feldman EJ (December 2005). "Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in 41 adults: the illness, the patients, and problems of management". BMC Medicine. 3 (1): 20. doi:10.1186/1741-7015-3-20. PMC 1326207. PMID 16368014.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Li BU, Lefevre F, Chelimsky GG, Boles RG, Nelson SP, Lewis DW, et al. (September 2008). "North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of cyclic vomiting syndrome". Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 47 (3): 379–93. doi:10.1097/MPG.0b013e318173ed39. PMID 18728540. S2CID 3910188.
  19. ↑ Abell TL, Adams KA, Boles RG, Bousvaros A, Chong SK, Fleisher DR, et al. (April 2008). "Cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults". Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 20 (4): 269–84. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2008.01113.x. hdl:2027.42/72300. PMID 18371009. S2CID 8718836.
  20. ↑ "Inhaled Isopropyl Alcohol Superior to Oral Ondansetron as an Antiemetic". New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch jwatch.org. 2018-03-09.
  21. ↑ Schwartz, Brad E.; Baker, Karen Keller; Bleinberger, Andrew J.; Lleshi, Amina; Cruz-Cano, Raul (2021). "Intravenous haloperidol for the treatment of intractable vomiting, cyclical vomiting, and gastroparesis". World Journal of Emergency Medicine. 12 (3): 228–231. doi:10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2021.03.012. ISSN 1920-8642. PMC 8188283. PMID 34141040.
  22. ↑ Fitzpatrick E, Bourke B, Drumm B, Rowland M (April 2008). "The incidence of cyclic vomiting syndrome in children: population-based study". The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 103 (4): 991–5, quiz 996. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01668.x. PMID 18070235. S2CID 25698609.
  23. ↑ "Cyclical vomiting syndrome". NHS Gov.UK. 2017-10-18. Archived from the original on 2025-03-13. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Li BU, Misiewicz L (September 2003). "Cyclic vomiting syndrome: a brain-gut disorder". Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 32 (3): 997–1019. doi:10.1016/S0889-8553(03)00045-1. PMID 14562585.
  25. ↑ Drumm BR, Bourke B, Drummond J, McNicholas F, Quinn S, Broderick A, et al. (October 2012). "Cyclical vomiting syndrome in children: a prospective study". Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 24 (10): 922–7. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2012.01960.x. PMID 22762244. S2CID 22054244.
  26. ↑ Abu-Arafeh I, Russell G (November 1995). "Cyclical vomiting syndrome in children: a population-based study". Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 21 (4): 454–8. doi:10.1097/00005176-199511000-00014. PMID 8583299. S2CID 20399340.
  27. ↑ Cullen KJ, Ma Cdonald WB (August 1963). "The periodic syndrome: its nature and prevalence". The Medical Journal of Australia. 50 (2): 167–73. doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.1963.tb24739.x. PMID 14024194.
  28. ↑ Lombard HC (1861). "Description d'une névrose de la digestion, caractérisée par des crises périodiques de vomissements et une profonde modification de l'assimilation". Gazette Médicale de Paris: 312.
  29. ↑ Gee S (1882). "On fitful or recurrent vomiting". St Bartholomew Hospital Reports. 18: 1.
  30. ↑ Hayman JA (December 2009). "Darwin's illness revisited". BMJ. 339: b4968. doi:10.1136/bmj.b4968. PMID 20008377. S2CID 32616636.
  31. ↑ Finsterer, Josef; Hayman, John (January 2014). "Mitochondrial disorder caused Charles Darwin's cyclic vomiting syndrome". International Journal of General Medicine. 7: 59–70. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S54846. ISSN 1178-7074. PMC 3892961. PMID 24453499.

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