PT Reeves et al. J Pediatr 2022; 242: 174-183. Development and Assessment of a Low Literacy, Pictographic Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Action Plan

Similar to the constipation action plan (see blog link below), the authors have created a stepwise pictographic CVS action plan (CVSAP).

Key points:

• A composite readability score of 5.32 was consistent with a fifth-grade level.
• Patients/caregivers (n = 70) judged the CVSAP to be of high quality with consumer information rating form rating of 84.2%
• Six medical librarians rated the CVSAP to have 93% understandability and 100% actionability, and 33 clinicians completing the SAM generated a suitability rating of 87.5%

On the listed ED management, the authors note “consider fosaprepitant…and can give oral aprepitant on days 2 and 3.” It should be noted that oral dosing afterwards is generally not required as fosaprepitant can last 2-3 days after a single dose. In addition, many use a maximum dose of 150 mg rather than 115 mg. Also, the ED dosage of several agents need to be tailored to the individual based on weight and other medications. Lower doses of many of the medications in the protocol are often effective.

My take: Patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome, like those with constipation, are likely to benefit from clearly articulated plans for maintenance treatment, escalation approaches and for ED management. The need for ED management may lessen with more consistent treatment approaches.

Link to blank CVS PDF Action Plan form: The Uniformed Services Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Action Plan

Related blog posts:

• Pictographic Constipation Action Plan
• Cyclic Vomiting ED Protocol (this has a good ED protocol geared towards adults with CVS and other resources)
• Aprepitant for CVS (now fosaprepitant)
• Topiramate -2nd Line Agent for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
• Diet of drugs for CVS
• Costs/Yield of Diagnosing Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
• Getting in the Shower for Emetic Symptoms

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