OBJECTIVES: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (GI), a possible manifestation of migraine diathesis. Disease is characterized by recurrent, stereotypical episodes of severe nausea and vomiting followed by asymptomatic periods. It is suggested that CVS carries heavy burden and is associated with highly unmet needs. The aim of review was to present the current level on knowledge.

METHODS: The target literature review was conducted in June 2020 in OVID Medline/Embase database. The set of keywords on ‘cyclic vomiting syndrome’, ‘abdominal migraine’, ‘periodic vomiting syndrome’, biliary attack’ and ‘recurrent vomiting’ was applied. The focus was put on epidemiology, disease management, disease burden and unmet needs. The restriction to English language and geographical scope (Europe and Canada) was applied.

RESULTS: From over 3200 records on CVS, the focus was put on 193 abstracts, connected with the areas of interest. The initial review suggests a good understanding on the disease course and its phases. The diagnostic criteria for GI including CVS were updated in 2016 (Rome IV) to provide improved selection of patients, as there is risk of underdiagnosis. The epidemiological data are scarce. The treatment algorithm is presented, but all medicines are prescribed off-label and it concerns several safety issues. The CVS carries heavy clinical, humanistic, and economic burden, significantly lowering both children and caregiver’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The CVS management is manifested by often emergency visits and hospitalizations. Further extensive analysis will be conducted up to August 2020.

CONCLUSIONS: For some CVS is still a mysterious disease and its recognition is poor. Meanwhile the CVS patients are burdened with comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, constipation, and migraine itself. Better understanding of CVS and more effective disease management is expected, as it might positively affect the HRQoL and help to reduce economic burden for the healthcare system.