PROPHYLACTIC THERAPY IN CYCLIC VOMITING SYNDROME

The experience with prophylactic therapy for cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Austr alia was retrospectively reviewed by questionnaire. Data was collected from 31 patients, aged 2.9-21.75 years who reported a mean of nine at tacks per year. Eleven patients had utilized prophylactic therapy. Par ental assessment of benefit was recorded. Propranolol was the most eff ective agent with reported benefit in four of six cases, other antimig raine agents were deemed effective in two of seven cases. Anticonvulsa nts and antidepressants were not considered useful. Homeopathic and vi tamin supplements were thought to be beneficial in three of six cases. Prophylaxis was less likely to be beneficial in the more severe cases of CVS, but was of benefit in those patients whose attacks were preci pitated by infection or who had features consistent with migraine. Pro phylactic therapy with propranolol or serotonin receptor antagonists s hould be considered in children with frequent or severe symptoms.