Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Clinical trajectories and patterns of use three months following a visit to the emergency department

Abstract

ObjectivesCannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a clinical condition of cyclic vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain associated with chronic cannabis use. Despite increased recognition of CHS, there are limited details on cannabis use practices and symptoms over time. Understanding what happens in the period surrounding the ED visit, including any changes in symptoms and cannabis use practices following the visit, can help inform the development of patient‐centered interventions around cannabis use disorder for patients with CHS.MethodsA prospective observational cohort (n=39) of patients with suspected CHS recruited from the Emergency Department (ED) at the time of a symptomatic cyclic vomiting episode was followed for three months. Disease progression, cannabis use practices, and health care utilization were monitored.ResultsParticipants reported high rates of persistent CHS symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, or cyclic vomiting) in the two‐week period immediately following an ED visit with a median duration of 7 days. Cannabis use frequency and quantity were reduced immediately after the ED visit, but most participants returned to pre‐ED visit cannabis use patterns within a few days. Recurrent ED visits for cyclic vomiting were reported by 25% of participants who completed follow‐up during the three month follow up period.ConclusionsParticipants continued to have ongoing symptoms after the ED visit, but most manage symptoms on their own and do not return to the ED. Longitudinal studies beyond three months are needed to better understand the clinical course of patients with suspected CHS.