SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Treating the Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Epidemic

Pdf Summary

This retrospective single-institution study examined treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) in patients ages 11–21 at a tertiary children’s hospital from 2016–2022. CHS is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in the setting of chronic cannabis use, and current pediatric treatment evidence is limited. The study reviewed 204 encounters involving 46 unique patients (mean age 17; 23 female, 23 male) and assessed whether symptoms resolved within 24 hours after medication administration.<br /><br />A variety of antiemetics were used, including ondansetron, diphenhydramine, lorazepam, granisetron, cyproheptadine, metoclopramide, amitriptyline, prochlorperazine, and aprepitant. Overall, 41% of encounters did not respond to any medication. Ondansetron was the most frequently used drug, given in 98% of encounters, but it was effective in only 31% of cases, usually when combined with other medications. Diphenhydramine was used in 43% of encounters and was effective in 26%. In contrast, lorazepam had the highest success rate, effective in 83% of encounters in which it was given. Granisetron was effective in 60% of cases, and cyproheptadine in 44%.<br /><br />The authors conclude that traditional antiemetics are often ineffective for CHS, while lorazepam appears to be the most effective medication in this study. However, because multiple medications were often given together, it is difficult to determine which agent provided the greatest benefit. The study highlights the need for pediatric-specific diagnostic criteria and clearer, validated treatment algorithms for both acute and preventive management of CHS.

Asset Subtitle

Claudia C. Vega Castellvi

Meta Tag

Author List Alison Payson, Claudia C. Vega Castellvi, Melissa C. Clemente, Natalie Jennings

Category Research

Concept Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Concept Cannabis Cessation

Concept Ondansetron

Concept Benzodiazepine

Concept Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Presenting Author Claudia C. Vega Castellvi

Track Pediatric

Keywords

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

CHS

pediatric treatment

antiemetics

lorazepam

ondansetron

diphenhydramine

granisetron

cannabis use

retrospective study

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Cannabis Cessation

Ondansetron

Benzodiazepine

Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome