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Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Pediatric Patients: A Review of Therapeutics
Emma M Tillman1, Emily M Harvath2
1Department of Medicine (EMT), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
Insights
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) treatment in children involves standard prophylactic medications like amitriptyline and cyproheptadine. Nutritional supplements and specific drug combinations are also effective for managing acute episodes and improving overall patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a challenging functional gastrointestinal disorder in children.
- Effective therapeutic interventions are crucial for both prophylaxis and acute management of CVS attacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review therapeutic treatment recommendations for pediatric CVS based on the 2008 NASPGHN Consensus Statement.
- To discuss contemporary studies evaluating CVS treatments alongside the consensus guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of medical databases for studies on therapeutic treatments for CVS.
- Identification and analysis of 8 relevant studies evaluating various treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Amitriptyline and cyproheptadine are confirmed as standard prophylactic treatments for pediatric CVS.
- Nutritional supplements (carnitine, coenzyme Q10) show promise in reducing episode frequency and severity.
- Ondansetron and sumatriptan combination is recommended for acute attack abortion; aprepitant and sedatives are options for refractory cases.
Conclusions:
- Established prophylactic agents remain the standard of care for pediatric CVS.
- Emerging evidence supports the role of nutritional supplements and specific drug combinations in managing CVS.
- A multi-faceted therapeutic approach is essential for optimal CVS management in children.
Abstract:
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.
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