Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in the pregnant patient: clinical case and literature review

Abstract

Background: Cannabis use is on the rise. Several cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, secondary to chronic cannabis intoxication, have been described worldwide, but few cases have described this entity in pregnant women.

Case presentation: We describe a 29-year-old pregnant patient that had consumed cannabis and experienced uncontrolled vomiting. The use of hot baths, the rapid improvement in symptoms, and results of complementary examinations suggested a diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The patient could return home, and she continued her pregnancy and childbirth without peculiarities.

Conclusion: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vomiting in pregnancy. Consumption of cannabis must be systematically included in the anamnesis. However, it seems to be somewhat unacceptable socially or medically. Consumption must be stopped to manage symptoms.

Keywords: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome; Cannabis; Cyclical vomiting syndrome; Pregnancy; Vomiting.