Worldwide Prevalence and Description of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome According to the Results of the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study.

Introduction: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction of unknown origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the global prevalence of this disorder and its associated factors.

Methods: Data were collected from nationwide Internet surveys in 26 countries, with subjects evenly distributed by age, sex, and country. The survey included the Rome IV questionnaire and an extensive supplemental questionnaire to evaluate additional factors.

Results: A total of 54,127 participants completed the questionnaire (51% male, mean age 44.3 years). The pooled prevalence of CVS was 0.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3%-0.4%; n = 187), highest in Brazil (1%, 95% CI 0.6-1.5), and lowest in Japan and Germany (with no subject who fulfilled the criteria for CVS). The mean age of participants with CVS was 36.7 years (SD 13.5), and it was more common in women (56.7% vs 43.5%). Factors independently associated with this syndrome were female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% CI 1.13-2.03), young age (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.34-4.94, for people between the ages of 18 and 39 years, compared with those older than 65 years), depression (OR 3.14, 95% CI 2.05-4.82, P < 0.001), and anxiety (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.15-2.78, P < 0.001). Individuals with CVS had impaired quality of life (QoL) (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement and Information System 10-item score: physical QoL mean, 12.9 vs 15.5, P < 0.001; mental QoL mean 12.3 vs 14.4, P < 0.001) compared with others.

Discussion: CVS is a relatively common disorder that has a negative impact on QoL. It is important to raise awareness on this syndrome to avoid underdiagnosis and improve clinical practice.