Outcome for children with Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome

Emer Fitzpatrick ¹, Billy Bourke ², Brendan Drumm ³ and Marion Rowland ^3*

¹ University College Dublin, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Republic of Ireland
² University College Dublin, The Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Republic of Ireland
³ University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: marion.rowland{at}ucd.ie.

Accepted 10 June 2007

Abstract

Objective: Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a disorder that carries a significant burden of disease for children and their families. The aim of this study was to examine the outcome of a group of children diagnosed with CVS between 1993 - 2003 and to assess their current well-being.

Patients and Methods: Children diagnosed with CVS over a 10-year period were identified and a review of the clinical records was carried out to define demographic features and the spectrum of disease at presentation. A single investigator contacted the patient’s parent to establish the child’s current well-being. Ethical approval for the study was obtained.

Results: Fifty-one children were diagnosed with CVS during the study period and 41 agreed to participate in follow-up. Mean age at onset of CVS was 5.8 SD 3.3 years, at diagnosis was 8.2 SD 3.5 years and mean age at follow up was 12.8 SD 4.8 years. Vomiting had resolved at time of follow up in 25/41 (61%) of children. Sixteen of 41 (39%) reported resolution of symptoms either immediately or within weeks of diagnosis. However a large number of children from both the group that resolved and the group that were still vomiting, continued to have somatic symptoms; with 42% of children suffering regular headaches and 37% having abdominal pain. In all, 22 (54%) parents felt that the provision of a positive diagnosis and information made a significant impact on the severity of the vomiting.

Conclusions: While 60% of children with CVS have resolution of symptoms, a significant proportion of both those in whom symptoms have resolved and those in whom vomiting persists, continue to suffer from other somatic symptoms.

Keywords: CVS, outcome, somatic symptoms

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