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. 2017;12(4):291-295.
doi: 10.5114/pg.2017.72105. Epub 2017 Dec 14.

The efficacy and duration of treatment with propranolol in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome in southern Iran

Mahmoud Haghighat  1 , Hajar Memari  1 , Naser Honar  1 , Seyed Mohsen Dehghani  1 , Mohammad-Hadi Imanieh  1 , Seyed-Javad Injoo  1 , Hazhir Javaherizadeh  2
Affiliations

The efficacy and duration of treatment with propranolol in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome in southern Iran

Mahmoud Haghighat et al. Prz Gastroenterol. 2017.

Abstract

Introduction: Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a functional disorder characterised by repeated episodes of nausea and vomiting with symptom-free intervals between the attacks. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a migraine equivalent; therefore, anti-migraine medications are effective for cyclic vomiting syndrome prophylaxis, but duration of treatment is not clear.

Aim: To determine the efficacy and duration of drug therapy in cyclic vomiting syndrome.

Material and methods: This study was conducted on 206 cases of cyclic vomiting syndrome, who were treated with propranolol as prophylaxis. After they were symptom-free for at least 9 months, propranolol was tapered and discontinued and then they were followed for at least 6 months after drug withdrawal for evaluation of recurrence.

Results: The study subjects included 127 boys and 79 girls. The mean age of symptom onset was 3.4 years (range: 3 months to 14.5 years) and the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 5.7 years (range: 8.4 months to 18 years). Among the 206 patients in whom propranolol was discontinued, only 16 (7.8%) subjects developed recurrence of symptoms in the 6-month follow-up period.

Conclusions: There is no need to continue prophylaxis of cyclic vomiting syndrome for a long time. It is also possible to make the duration of drug therapy shorter, which is useful for the convenience of the patients and prevention of drug side effects.

Keywords: children; cyclic vomiting syndrome; duration of therapy; prevention; propranolol.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Frequency of concomitant symptoms in children with CVS
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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