Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Pediatric Patients: A Review of Therapeutics

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that can present quite a challenge to clinicians caring for children with this complex disease. Different therapeutic interventions are recommended for prophylaxis and acute abortive therapy for a CVS attack. The aim of this review is to summarize therapeutic treatment recommendations from the 2008 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHN) Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and discuss studies contemporary to this expert recommendation. After an extensive search of medical databases, 8 studies that evaluated therapeutic treatments for CVS were identified. Amitriptyline and cyproheptadine remain the standard of care for prophylaxis. Nutritional supplements such as carnitine and coenzyme Q10 have shown efficacy in decreasing episodes and severity in small studies with high tolerability among patients. The combination of ondansetron and sumatriptan are recommended for abortion of an acute vomiting episode, but other agents such as aprepitant and sedative agents can be considered when vomiting is refractory to initial treatments.

A Case Series of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Children at Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic in Benghazi Medical Center

Background: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional disorder characterized by repeated episodes of sudden onset of intense vomiting that is followed by symptom-free periods. The diagnosis is based on the fulfillment of Rome IV criteria. The Cyclic vomiting syndrome shares similar features to migraine headaches. It is under-recognized and often misdiagnosed with significant delays in therapy. Aims: To evaluate the clinical characteristic of pediatric patients diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome in our institution and their response to treatment. Patients and Methods: A prospective case series of 13 pediatric patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome seen between period of November 2018 to November 2020 at pediatric gastroenterology outpatient’s clinic in Benghazi medical center. All relevant data including; age and sex, age of presentation, duration of symptoms, age at diagnosis, presence of aura or prodromal symptoms, patient or family history of headache, treatment and their response to treatment were collected. Results: The mean age for diagnosis was 112.2 ± 37.7 months. 46.2% of patients had recognizable prodromal symptoms. Patients with CVS had intense nausea and persistent vomiting that requiring hospitalization. In 44.4% of patients had stopped the episodes as a response to propranolol. Conclusion: Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a functional, an under-recognized, and misdiagnosed episodic. The illness is characterized by stereotypical pattern of vomiting leading to frequent hospitalizations.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome responding to amisulpride – A case report

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an uncommon functional condition defined by recurring episodic stereotyped vomiting with a sudden start and an unknown origin. CVS can be triggered by a variety of conditions, and the course and management are often determined by the triggering factors. We present the case of a 13-year-old female youngster who complained of frequent bouts of vomiting that coincided with the onset of menses. We started her on oral amisulpride 50 mg a few days before each menstrual period. As a result of the treatment, in the following menstrual cycle, she had a dramatic improvement in her symptoms.

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) White Matter Hyperintensities in Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome With or Without Migraine

Background: Cyclic vomiting syndrome is classified as a possible subset of migraine. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of white matter hyperintensities are well documented in migraineurs, but not in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome. This study focuses on white matter hyperintensities in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome. Methods: We investigated our database of outpatient medical records for the diagnosis codes associated with cyclic vomiting syndrome from January 2008 to October 2018. Results: Brain MRIs were obtained in 31 of 185 patients (∼17%) with a diagnosis code related to cyclic vomiting syndrome. We excluded 13 of 31 patients because of the inaccessibility of images or a confounding diagnosis. Remaining patients were divided into 2 groups: 13 of 18 cyclic vomiting syndrome with migraine (CVS+M), and 5 of 18 cyclic vomiting syndrome without migraine (CVS-M). We found that 3 of the 13 patients in the CVS +M group had migraine-like white matter hyperintensities compared to 0 of the 5 in the CVS-M group. Conclusion: This small study suggests a possible relationship between white matter hyperintensities and CVS+M. A larger study is required to validate these findings.