A narrative review examines the overlapping and distinct features of cyclic vomiting syndrome and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, two conditions that share severe episodic vomiting.
Emergency physicians, gastroenterologists, cannabis users experiencing recurrent vomiting, and primary care providers.
Two syndromes, one symptomCVS and CHS share episodic severe vomiting but differ in cause: multiple triggers vs cannabis-specific
What the researchers found
CVS and CHS share clinical features including episodic severe vomiting, but differ in etiology: CVS has multiple potential triggers while CHS is specifically associated with chronic cannabis use, with the relationship between the two conditions remaining actively debated.
Why it matters
Distinguishing between CVS and CHS is clinically important because treatment approaches differ - CHS typically resolves with cannabis cessation while CVS requires ongoing management strategies.
The numbers in context
The review covers the historical context, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches for both CVS and CHS.
How the study worked
Narrative review synthesizing current scientific literature on cyclic vomiting syndrome and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
Who was studied
Patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome and/or cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review format may introduce selection bias; the relationship between CVS and CHS remains debated with limited high-quality comparative studies.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review providing comprehensive overview; individual study quality varies within the reviewed literature.
When this study was published
Recent review reflecting current state of knowledge on both conditions.
The bigger picture
As cannabis use increases, the incidence of CHS is rising, making it critical for emergency medicine and gastroenterology to accurately distinguish between these conditions for appropriate treatment.
Replication
Review synthesizes existing literature; diagnostic distinction between CVS and CHS is an active area of clinical debate.
Funding
Not specified
Conflicts of interest
Not specified
Questions still open
- Is CHS a distinct condition or a subtype of CVS triggered by cannabis?
- Can someone have CVS that is worsened by cannabis use?
- What is the mechanism by which chronic cannabis use causes vomiting?
Read the original research
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
Citation
Lathrop, James R; Rosen, Sheldon N; Heitkemper, Margaret M; Buchanan, Diana Taibi. (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. https://doi.org/10.1097/SGA.0000000000000730