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The following is a summary of “Understanding The Adult And Adolescent Patient Experience With Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A Concept Elicitation Study,” published in the February 2025 issue of the BMC Gastroenterology by Karrento et al.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. Despite its debilitating nature, qualitative research exploring the phase-specific symptoms and broader impact of CVS remains limited. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the lived experiences of individuals with CVS in the United States, focusing on symptomatology and its effects on adults, adolescents, and caregivers. A qualitative, cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing semi-structured concept elicitation interviews with adult and adolescent patients with CVS, as well as caregivers of affected adolescents. Adolescents participated either independently or alongside their caregivers in a dyadic format. 

The collected data were systematically analyzed using an open coding approach to identify recurring themes. The study included 13 adults (mean age: 45.3 years, SD: 13.1) and 15 adolescents (mean age: 14.6 years, SD: 1.8). Among adults, the most frequently reported symptoms during the prodrome phase were nausea (92.3%), anxiety (76.9%), and abdominal pain (69.2%). Adolescents predominantly experienced nausea (100%), abdominal pain (73.3%), and headaches (73.3%) during this phase. During the emetic phase, all adult participants reported nausea, fatigue, and dry heaves, while 92.3% experienced vomiting and retching. One participant noted that abortive medications had successfully prevented vomiting. In adolescents, nausea and vomiting were universally reported, with additional prevalent symptoms including abdominal pain (93.3%), dehydration (86.7%), and fatigue (86.7%). 

The most frequently cited and distressing impact among adults was anxiety related to the anticipation of vomiting (38.5%). For adolescents, the most disruptive impact was on their school attendance and performance (53.8%), whereas caregivers primarily expressed distress over witnessing their child’s suffering (54.5%). These findings underscore the substantial burden of CVS, not only in terms of gastrointestinal distress but also its far-reaching effects on emotional well-being, academic performance, and daily functioning. The condition imposes a significant psychological toll on both patients and caregivers, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve disease management and support systems.

Source: bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-025-03595-7