Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Mimicked Hyperemesis Gravidarum in a Pregnant Woman
A 28-year-old pregnant woman had multiple hospital admissions for severe vomiting before CHS was diagnosed, highlighting the similarity between CHS and hyperemesis gravidarum.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
A 28-year-old pregnant woman was repeatedly admitted for episodic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, experiencing complications including Mallory-Weiss esophageal tears and dehydration. Hospital staff noted she was showering compulsively during her admissions.
After extensive workup revealed no other cause, she was diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The treatment was simply abstinence from marijuana use.
The case illustrates that CHS and hyperemesis gravidarum share nearly identical presentations, making CHS likely underdiagnosed in pregnant women. The compulsive bathing behavior is a key distinguishing feature that should prompt clinicians to ask about cannabis use.
Key Numbers
Patient age: 28. Multiple hospitalizations. Complications: Mallory-Weiss tears, dehydration. Key diagnostic clue: compulsive showering during hospitalization.
How They Did This
Single case report describing a pregnant woman with multiple admissions for intractable nausea and vomiting, eventually diagnosed with CHS after an extensive negative workup.
Why This Research Matters
As cannabis use during pregnancy ranges from 2-5%, CHS may be misdiagnosed as hyperemesis gravidarum more often than recognized. Correct diagnosis avoids unnecessary testing and invasive procedures while directing the patient to the effective treatment: cannabis cessation.
The Bigger Picture
With marijuana use during pregnancy potentially increasing due to legalization, CHS should be included in the differential diagnosis for all pregnant women with severe, unexplained vomiting. A thorough substance use history is essential.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single case report. Cannot establish prevalence of CHS misdiagnosed as hyperemesis gravidarum. The interaction between pregnancy physiology and CHS is not well understood.
Questions This Raises
- ?How often is CHS misdiagnosed as hyperemesis gravidarum?
- ?Does pregnancy increase susceptibility to CHS?
- ?Are there differences in fetal outcomes between CHS and hyperemesis gravidarum?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- CHS mimics hyperemesis gravidarum; compulsive bathing is the key diagnostic clue
- Evidence Grade:
- Single case report highlighting a diagnostic pitfall.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2015. Awareness of CHS in pregnancy has increased since.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a cause of refractory nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
- Published In:
- Obstetrics and gynecology, 125(6), 1484-1486 (2015)
- Authors:
- Alaniz, Veronica I, Liss, Jill, Metz, Torri D(8), Stickrath, Elaine
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00902
Evidence Hierarchy
Describes what happened to one person or a small group.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
How is CHS different from hyperemesis gravidarum?
Both cause severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. CHS is caused by chronic cannabis use and resolves with cessation. Hyperemesis gravidarum is caused by pregnancy hormones. CHS is distinguished by compulsive hot bathing and a history of cannabis use.
Can CHS harm the pregnancy?
The severe vomiting and dehydration associated with CHS can potentially cause complications like esophageal tears, electrolyte imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, the underlying cannabis use itself may pose risks to fetal development.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00902APA
Alaniz, Veronica I; Liss, Jill; Metz, Torri D; Stickrath, Elaine. (2015). Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a cause of refractory nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.. Obstetrics and gynecology, 125(6), 1484-1486. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000000595
MLA
Alaniz, Veronica I, et al. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a cause of refractory nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.." Obstetrics and gynecology, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000000595
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: a cause of refractory naus..." RTHC-00902. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/alaniz-2015-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-a
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.