Summary
High prevalence of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in marijuana users
Bruguera P, López-Pelayo H, Miquel L, Balcells-Oliveró M
Affiliation of the authors
Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clínic (GRAC), Institut Clínic de Neurosciències, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain. IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. Red de trastornos adictivos, Spain.
DOI
Quote
Bruguera P, López-Pelayo H, Miquel L, Balcells-Oliveró M. High prevalence of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in marijuana users. Emergencias. 2016;28:249-51
Summary
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a recently described condition associated with chronic marijuana use. CHS is defined by the triad of chronic marijuana consumption cyclic bouts of nausea and vomiting, plus frequent hot showering. Its etiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology remain obscure. We interviewed all patients over the age of 18 years attended between February and April 2014 in an outpatient marijuana rehabilitation center. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data as well as information related to a diagnosis of CHS. Of 22 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 4 (18.2%) reported symptoms suggestive of CHS; 2 (9.1%) had all symptoms, and 2 (9.1%) had some. CHS is common. We recommend asking about symptoms that might indicate this diagnosis
given that CHS generates a high level of discomfort as well as diagnostic errors and many referrals to specialists.