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Shine D, Goodin A. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: What Do We Know? Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2024; 7:86-90. [PMID: 39015607 PMCID: PMC11250556 DOI: 10.1159/000539182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dionna Shine
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Amie Goodin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Perisetti A, Gajendran M, Dasari CS, Bansal P, Aziz M, Inamdar S, Tharian B, Goyal H. Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: an update on the pathophysiology and management. Ann Gastroenterol 2020; 33:571-578. [PMID: 33162734 PMCID: PMC7599351 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2020.0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a form of functional gut-brain axis disorder characterized by bouts of episodic nausea and vomiting worsened by cannabis intake. It is considered as a variant of cyclical vomiting syndrome seen in cannabis users especially characterized by compulsive hot bathing/showers to relieve the symptoms. CHS was reported for the first time in 2004, and since then, an increasing number of cases have been reported. With cannabis use increasing throughout the world as the threshold for legalization becomes lower, its user numbers are expected to rise over time. Despite this trend, a strict criterion for the diagnosis of CHS is lacking. Early recognition of CHS is essential to prevent complications related to severe volume depletion. The recent body of research recognizes that patients with CHS impose a burden on the healthcare systems. Understanding the pathophysiology of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) remains central in explaining the clinical features and potential drug targets for the treatment of CHS. The frequency and prevalence of CHS change in accordance with the doses of tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids in various formulations of cannabis. CHS is unique in presentation, because of the cannabis’s biphasic effect as anti-emetic at low doses and pro-emetic at higher doses, and the association with pathological hot water bathing. In this narrative review, we elaborate on the role of the ECS, its management, and the identification of gaps in our current knowledge of CHS to further enhance its understanding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Perisetti
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR (Abhilash Perisetti)
| | - Mahesh Gajendran
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (Mahesh Gajendran)
| | - Chandra Shekhar Dasari
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansas City VA Medical Center (Chandra Shekhar Dasari)
| | - Pardeep Bansal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Moses Taylor Hospital and Reginal Hospital of Scranton, Scranton, PA (Pardeep Bansal)
| | - Muhammad Aziz
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH (Muhammad Aziz)
| | - Sumant Inamdar
- Endoscopy Fellowship, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR (Sumant Inamdar, Benjamin Tharian)
| | - Benjamin Tharian
- Endoscopy Fellowship, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR (Sumant Inamdar, Benjamin Tharian)
| | - Hemant Goyal
- The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, PA (Hemant Goyal), USA
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Weiss J, Torrents R, Verhamme B, Roch A, Lazerges P, Jego M, Michelet P, Simon N. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in two French emergency departments: a prospective cohort. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2020; 35:186-191. [PMID: 32564375 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cannabis use can be associated with uncontrollable vomiting and abdominal pain. Diagnostic criteria for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) were defined in 2012 by Simonetto et al. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of CHS, the patients' epidemiological characteristics, and to show the difficulties encountered in caring for these patients in emergency departments, the extent of health care and an unsuitable follow-up in general practices. A prospective cohort of patients with CHS was recruited among a target population of patients leaving the adult emergency services of the Marseille hospitals Nord and La Timone between October 2017 and July 2018, with abdominal pain syndrome of unidentified etiology. Inclusion criteria for the CHS cohort were chronic cannabis use associated with nausea and vomiting. There were 48 patients included in the CHS cohort who took cannabis daily, in a target population of 2 848 patients (i.e. 1.6%). A hot shower was the most effective symptomatic treatment in 54.2% of cases. Patients suffering from CHS spent significantly more hours in emergency departments (11 vs. 6.5), and, on average, visits were more frequent (4.9 vs. 3). 20.3% of them were hospitalized to continue pain medication. Once out of hospital, follow-up was limited, and weaning off cannabis, the only etiological treatment, was difficult to set up. Informing patients about CHS is essential, and a hot shower could be systematically proposed, thus limiting an unnecessary extent of health care. CHS is genuine, medical staff should be made aware of it in occupational training, and it should be seriously considered in health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Weiss
- Department of General Practice, Faculté des sciences médicales et paramédicales, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Romain Torrents
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Baptiste Verhamme
- APHM, Hôpital Nord, Service des urgences, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Antoine Roch
- APHM, Hôpital Nord, Service des urgences, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Lazerges
- Sevice de Psychiatrie, Clinique l'Escale, Saint Victoret, France
| | - Maeva Jego
- Department of General Practice, Faculté des sciences médicales et paramédicales, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.,Faculté des sciences médicales et paramédicales - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279, CEReSS - Health Services Research and Quality of life Center, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Michelet
- Centre de Recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Emergency Department - Timone University Hospital, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
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Venkatesan T, Levinthal DJ, Li BUK, Tarbell SE, Adams KA, Issenman RM, Sarosiek I, Jaradeh SS, Sharaf RN, Sultan S, Stave CD, Monte AA, Hasler WL. Role of chronic cannabis use: Cyclic vomiting syndrome vs cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31 Suppl 2:e13606. [PMID: 31241817 PMCID: PMC6788295 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is commonly used in cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) due to its antiemetic and anxiolytic properties. Paradoxically, chronic cannabis use in the context of cyclic vomiting has led to the recognition of a putative new disorder called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Since its first description in 2004, numerous case series and case reports have emerged describing this phenomenon. Although not pathognomonic, a patient behavior called "compulsive hot water bathing" has been associated with CHS. There is considerable controversy about how CHS is defined. Most of the data remain heterogenous with limited follow-up, making it difficult to ascertain whether chronic cannabis use is causal, merely a clinical association with CVS, or unmasks or triggers symptoms in patients inherently predisposed to develop CVS. This article will discuss the role of cannabis in the regulation of nausea and vomiting, specifically focusing on both CVS and CHS, in order to address controversies in this context. To this objective, we have collated and analyzed published case series and case reports on CHS in order to determine the number of reported cases that meet current Rome IV criteria for CHS. We have also identified limitations in the existing diagnostic framework and propose revised criteria to diagnose CHS. Future research in this area should improve our understanding of the role of cannabis use in cyclic vomiting and help us better understand and manage this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangam Venkatesan
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - David J. Levinthal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPennsylvania
| | - B U. K. Li
- Department of PediatricsMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - Sally E. Tarbell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesNorthwestern Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinois
| | | | - Robert M. Issenman
- Division of Pediatric GastroenterologyMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Irene Sarosiek
- Division of GastroenterologyTexas Tech University Health Sciences CenterEl PasoTexas
| | | | - Ravi N. Sharaf
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of Medicine and Department of Healthcare Policy and ResearchWeill Cornell Medical CenterNew YorkNew York
| | | | | | - Andrew A. Monte
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColorado
| | - William L. Hasler
- Division of GastroenterologyUniversity of Michigan Health SystemAnn ArborMichigan
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Pergolizzi Jr. JV, LeQuang JA, Bisney JF. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2019; 1:73-95. [PMID: 34676325 PMCID: PMC8489348 DOI: 10.1159/000494992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical condition in which a long-term cannabis user suffers an episode of intractable vomiting that may last days separated by longer asymptomatic periods of weeks or months. Cannabinoids are often utilized for their antiemetic properties, so CHS can be a puzzling condition, and the diagnosis of CHS may be disputed by patients. Unlike other cyclic vomiting syndromes, CHS can be relieved by hot showers or topical capsaicin. Abstinence from cannabinoids causes CHS to resolve, sometimes in a matter of days or hours. Marijuana users as well as many clinicians are not aware of CHS, and patients may undergo unnecessary tests, scans, and other procedures to get an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization. With liberalization of marijuana laws and favorable public opinion about the healing properties of cannabis, CHS may be more frequently observed in clinical practice.
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Goyal H, Guerreso K, Smith B, Harper K, Patel S, Patel A, Parikh P. Severity and outcomes of acute alcoholic pancreatitis in cannabis users. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:60. [PMID: 28815220 PMCID: PMC5539398 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2017.06.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis is the most commonly and widely used illicit drug in the world and is also the most commonly used drug of abuse in alcohol drinkers. Experimental studies have shown conflicting results of the effects of cannabis on the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). The purpose of this study is to ascertain the clinical effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on severity at presentation and outcomes of acute alcoholic pancreatitis (AAP). METHODS A retrospective review was conducted on the patients discharged with principle or secondary diagnosis of AP using ICD-9 & ICD-10 codes during the time period from January 2006 to December 2015 at a large community-based hospital in Central Georgia. Patients with alcoholic pancreatitis with cannabis (CB+) and without cannabis (CB-) use were identified and were matched with sex and age. RESULTS Our study findings showed that a greater percentage of CB+ patients did not have a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score (P=0.043), had a lower BISAP score (P=0.031), and had a significantly lower BUN level (P=0.033), but there was no difference in the Balthazar Index and revised Atlanta classification severity between the two groups. CB+ patients tended to need less ICU care than CB- patients (P=0.059). CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we found that CB+ patients had less severe presentation of AAP indicating that cannabis could modulate the inflammatory effect of alcohol on the pancreas. Further large scale prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Goyal
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | | | - Betsy Smith
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | | | - Sheetal Patel
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Akash Patel
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Puja Parikh
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
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Waterson Duncan R, Maguire M. Capsaicin topical in emergency department treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Am J Emerg Med 2017; 35:1977-1978. [PMID: 28712644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Waterson Duncan
- Department of Pharmacy, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden Ave., Englewood, CO 80113, United States.
| | - Michelle Maguire
- Department of Pharmacy, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden Ave., Englewood, CO 80113, United States
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Sorensen CJ, DeSanto K, Borgelt L, Phillips KT, Monte AA. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment-a Systematic Review. J Med Toxicol 2017; 13:71-87. [PMID: 28000146 PMCID: PMC5330965 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-016-0595-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a syndrome of cyclic vomiting associated with cannabis use. Our objective is to summarize the available evidence on CHS diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment. We performed a systematic review using MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 through September 24, 2015. Articles eligible for inclusion were evaluated using the Grading and Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Data were abstracted from the articles and case reports and were combined in a cumulative synthesis. The frequency of identified diagnostic characteristics was calculated from the cumulative synthesis and evidence for pathophysiologic hypothesis as well as treatment options were evaluated using the GRADE criteria. The systematic search returned 2178 articles. After duplicates were removed, 1253 abstracts were reviewed and 183 were included. Fourteen diagnostic characteristics were identified, and the frequency of major characteristics was as follows: history of regular cannabis for any duration of time (100%), cyclic nausea and vomiting (100%), resolution of symptoms after stopping cannabis (96.8%), compulsive hot baths with symptom relief (92.3%), male predominance (72.9%), abdominal pain (85.1%), and at least weekly cannabis use (97.4%). The pathophysiology of CHS remains unclear with a dearth of research dedicated to investigating its underlying mechanism. Supportive care with intravenous fluids, dopamine antagonists, topical capsaicin cream, and avoidance of narcotic medications has shown some benefit in the acute setting. Cannabis cessation appears to be the best treatment. CHS is a cyclic vomiting syndrome, preceded by daily to weekly cannabis use, usually accompanied by symptom improvement with hot bathing, and resolution with cessation of cannabis. The pathophysiology underlying CHS is unclear. Cannabis cessation appears to be the best treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia J Sorensen
- Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, 80204, USA.
| | - Kristen DeSanto
- Health Sciences Library, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laura Borgelt
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kristina T Phillips
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA
| | - Andrew A Monte
- Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Center, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
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Coronary vasospasm complicating cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. J Cardiol Cases 2017; 15:115-118. [PMID: 30279755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jccase.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a clinical condition that was first described in 2004. The syndrome may occasionally be observed in long-term cannabis users and is characterized by a set of features: severe cyclic nausea and vomiting, recurrent epigastric or periumbilical pain, relief of symptoms with hot baths, and cannabis use cessation. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but is probably related to Cannabinoid-1 (CB-1) receptors dysregulation. On the other hand, there is also growing epidemiological evidence that cannabis smoking may trigger acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young men. We describe the case of 41-year-old man with a long history of cannabis smoking who not only complained of recurrent epigastric but also of retrosternal pain. He had undergone several negative radiological or endoscopic investigations. During the last episode, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes were consistent with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. However, the patient was readmitted very soon with a ST-elevation myocardial infarction related to coronary vasospasm. While the link between CHS and ACS is not established, CHS patients with atypical pain should be investigated carefully to exclude any serious cardiac event. <Learning objective: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a rare medical entity than can be observed in some long-term heavy cannabis users. While most patients usually complain of recurrent epigastric or periumbilical pain with negative investigations, the possibility of some serious cardiac event should not be neglected as cannabis seems also able to trigger coronary vasospasm in patients presenting with atypical pain or electrocardiographic changes.>.
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10
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Parekh JD, Wozniak SE, Khan K, Dutta SK. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2016; 2016:bcr2015213620. [PMID: 26791124 PMCID: PMC4735328 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-213620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiemetic properties of marijuana are well known, but there is increasing evidence of its paradoxical hyperemetic effects on the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, known as 'cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome' (CHS). We report a case of CHS encountered in our outpatient clinic. We also completed a review of the literature using PubMed in patients over 18 years of age with CHS. Understanding the diagnostic criteria and risk factors associated with CHS may reduce the ordering of unnecessary and expensive investigations, and pursuing inappropriate medical and surgical treatments. Ultimately, abstaining from cannabis use leads to resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai D Parekh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan E Wozniak
- Department of General Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kamran Khan
- Department of General Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sudhir K Dutta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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