Chronic idiopathic nausea of childhood. J Pediatr 2014 May;164(5):1104-9
Date
03/13/2014Pubmed ID
24607239DOI
10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.01.046Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84899054035 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 34 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare children with primary, chronic idiopathic nausea to those with secondary nausea associated with functional abdominal pain.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of 45 children with a primary complaint of chronic nausea several times per week. Comparisons were made to prospectively collected data on 49 children with functional abdominal pain and comorbid nausea.
RESULTS: The majority of those affected were adolescent Caucasian females. Subjects with chronic nausea had a more severe presentation with daily 88% (vs 26%) and constant 60% (vs 10%) nausea (P < .001), one-half with peak morning intensity. In the chronic nausea group, 62% had migraines, and 71% (vs 22%) had familial migraines (P < .001), 36% had postural tachycardia syndrome and 27% cyclic vomiting syndrome. Both groups suffered comorbid symptoms (anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, and sleep problems). The chronic nausea cohort underwent extensive, negative medical evaluations.
CONCLUSIONS: Chronic idiopathic nausea of childhood is a poorly described symptom. Patients with primary (vs secondary) chronic nausea were more likely Caucasian, older adolescent females with severe, daily nausea and comorbid conditions such as anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue as well as significantly more migraine features. Chronic nausea is a major, disabling symptom that requires increased recognition as a separate functional entity. Future studies may need to focus on comorbid conditions including migraine and dysautonomia.
Author List
Kovacic K, Miranda A, Chelimsky G, Williams S, Simpson P, Li BUAuthors
Katja K. Karrento MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinAdrian Miranda MD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Pippa M. Simpson PhD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Abdominal PainAdolescent
Amitriptyline
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
Anxiety
Child
Chronic Disease
Female
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Humans
Male
Migraine Disorders
Nausea
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Retrospective Studies
Serotonin Antagonists
Severity of Illness Index
