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Differentiating cyclic from chronic vomiting patterns in children: quantitative criteria and diagnostic implications
1Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205-2606, USA.
Pediatrics
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Recurrent vomiting in children can be classified into cyclic and chronic patterns. Cyclic vomiting is often linked to abdominal migraine, while chronic vomiting suggests gastrointestinal issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Etiology of Vomiting
Background:
- Recurrent vomiting is a common pediatric complaint.
- Differentiating vomiting patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish criteria for differentiating cyclic and chronic vomiting patterns in children.
- To identify the primary diagnoses associated with each vomiting pattern.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 106 children (2-18 years) with recurrent vomiting.
- Analysis of vomiting intensity (emesis/hour) and frequency (episodes/month).
- Comparison of diagnostic studies and therapeutic responses using statistical tests.
Main Results:
- Two distinct subgroups identified: cyclic (n=34) and chronic (n=72) vomiting patterns.
- Cyclic vomiting: higher peak intensity (12.6 vs 1.5 emesis/hour), lower frequency (1.9 vs 36.6 episodes/month).
- Cyclic vomiting predominantly caused by non-gastrointestinal disorders (65%), including abdominal migraine; chronic vomiting linked to peptic and infectious GI disorders (10%).
Conclusions:
- Quantitative criteria can differentiate clinically and etiologically distinct subgroups of recurrent pediatric vomiting.
- Cyclic vomiting is strongly associated with abdominal migraine.
- Chronic vomiting patterns indicate underlying peptic and infectious gastrointestinal disorders.