A case of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome causing dangerous lactic acid buildup
A chronic cannabis user presented with severe abdominal pain and dangerously elevated lactic acid levels, highlighting that cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can cause serious metabolic complications beyond vomiting.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
The patient's lactate reached 6.1 mmol/L, a level indicating significant physiological stress, caused by severe dehydration and pain from intractable vomiting rather than from another underlying emergency.
Key Numbers
Lactate: 6.1 mmol/L (normal <2). Treatment included haloperidol and capsaicin. CHS prevalence is rising in correlation with increased cannabis use in the UK.
How They Did This
Single case report with review of current evidence on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is increasingly recognized but can be missed when abdominal pain is the dominant symptom. The metabolic complications like lactic acidosis can trigger unnecessary invasive workups if CHS is not considered.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis use increases globally, emergency physicians encounter CHS more frequently. Recognizing it early, especially in presentations dominated by pain rather than vomiting, can prevent unnecessary testing and speed appropriate treatment.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Single case report cannot establish generalized patterns. Lactic acidosis in CHS may be uncommon and its frequency is unknown.
Questions This Raises
- ?How common is significant lactic acidosis in CHS?
- ?Should lactate levels be routinely monitored in suspected CHS cases?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Lactate reached 6.1 mmol/L (normal is under 2)
- Evidence Grade:
- Single case report provides an illustrative clinical example but cannot establish frequency or causation patterns.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Severe Abdominal Pain and Hyperlactataemia.
- Published In:
- Cureus, 17(9), e92444 (2025)
- Authors:
- Elbaghdady, Ahmad, Ahmed, Abdelnasser, Elmahdy, Ahmed
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06396
Evidence Hierarchy
Describes what happened to one person or a small group.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome cause dangerous complications?
Yes. This case shows that the severe vomiting and pain of CHS can lead to profound dehydration and lactic acidosis, a metabolic emergency that requires aggressive fluid treatment.
How is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome treated?
The case was treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation, haloperidol, and capsaicin (topical cream). The underlying cause is chronic cannabis use, and cessation is the definitive treatment.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06396APA
Elbaghdady, Ahmad; Ahmed, Abdelnasser; Elmahdy, Ahmed. (2025). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Severe Abdominal Pain and Hyperlactataemia.. Cureus, 17(9), e92444. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.92444
MLA
Elbaghdady, Ahmad, et al. "Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Severe Abdominal Pain and Hyperlactataemia.." Cureus, 2025. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.92444
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Severe Abd..." RTHC-06396. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/elbaghdady-2025-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.