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

BACKGROUND AIMS: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) of unknown origin. This study aimed 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 as well as an extensive supplemental questionnaire to evaluate additional factors. RESULTS: 54,127 participants completed the questionnaire (51% male, mean age 44.3 years). The pooled prevalence of CVS was 0.3% (95% 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 (standard deviation 13.5) and it was more common in females (56.7% vs 43.5%). Factors independently associated with this syndrome were female sex (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 to 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) (PROMIS-10 score: physical QoL mean, 12.9 vs 15.5, p<0.001; mental QoL mean 12.3 vs 14.4, p<0.001) compared to others. CONCLUSIONS: CVS is a relatively common disorder that has a negative impact on quality of life. It is important to raise awareness on this syndrome to avoid underdiagnosis and improve clinical practice.