Combination of erythromycin and propranolol for treatment of childhood cyclic vomiting syndrome: a novel regimen

AIM This study aimed to evaluate the erythromycin efficacy in childhood cyclic vomiting syndrome. BACKGROUND Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an unusual cause of episodic emesis in children and erythromycin is an effective treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this prospective study, 301 patients with a final diagnosis of CVS enrolled in two separated groups. The first group received erythromycin for 7 days and propranolol for at least 9 months (n=155). The second group was treated with propranolol alone for at least 9 months (n=146). These two groups were compared for response to the treatment and the recurrence of symptoms after treatment completion. Relationship of response, recurrence, and characteristics of the disease was assessed. RESULTS Both groups showed a significant difference in terms of response to treatment (P=0.002), however the recurrence after treatment completion had no considerable difference (P=0.563). There was no relationship between CVS characteristics and these two items (response and recurrence). CONCLUSION In our point of view, the addition of erythromycin to standard propranolol treatment can improve the response to treatment, although it has no significant effect on recurrence of CVS symptoms. We suggest the use of erythromycin for 7 days in addition to CVS standard therapy.