Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Abstract

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), first noted in 2001 and further characterized in 2004, remains an underdiagnosed condition in heavy, long-term marijuana users. This syndrome is associated with recurrent bouts of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting with symptom relief from hot showers or baths. 1 Sun S. Zimmerman A. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Hosp Pharm. 2013; 8: 650-655 Crossref Scopus (36) Google Scholar , 2 Hopkins C. Gilchrist B. A case of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome caused by synthetic cannabinoids. J Emerg Med. 2013; 45: 544-546 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar Traditionally, cannabinoids are used as therapeutic antiemetics to treat patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Thus, nausea and vomiting seem counterintuitive with the use of marijuana. Therefore, CHS is seldom recognized and rarely diagnosed. Patients with CHS often suffer for years, frequenting emergency departments (EDs) and undergoing numerous, costly evaluations before a correlation with heavy marijuana use is made. 2 Hopkins C. Gilchrist B. A case of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome caused by synthetic cannabinoids. J Emerg Med. 2013; 45: 544-546 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar The associated symptoms of CHS, in particular intractable vomiting, can lead to devastating outcomes such as electrolyte imbalances and acute kidney failure. Kimberley Roberts, MS, AG-ACNP, is an acute care nurse practitioner at Cardiovascular Critical Care Service at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH. Kristine A. Scordo, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, is a professor and director in the Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Wright State University in Dayton, OH, and can be reached at [email protected].