The Use of L-Carnitine And CoQ10 Supplements In the Treatment of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

This is a study with the principle goal being to learn about the use of L-Carnitine and CoQ10, two vitamin supplements that are currently being used to treat Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, largely initiated by parents. We want to learn how effective these supplements are compared to standard treatment, at what dose, and what onset of action in order to initiate future prospective study on these supplements.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a condition where children and adults have repeated attacks of severe vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, and tiredness. These episodes can last from several hours to several days.

• 1
  The General Questionnaire: help to understand which characteristics of CVS patients are associated with both beneficial and harmful effects of these treatments
• 2
  The Co-Enzyme Q10 Questionnaire: to be completed by individuals who ever taken co-enzyme Q10
• 3
  The L-Carnitine Questionnaire: to be completed by individuals who have ever taken L-carnitine
• 4
  The Amitriptyline Questionnaire: to be completed by individuals who have ever taken amitriptyline

Inclusion Criteria:

• 3 discrete episodes of vomiting
• normal health between episodes
• stereotypical clinical pattern
• no abnormal test results to account for vomiting (see exclusion criteria)

Exclusion Criteria:

• abnormal UGI with small bowel follow-through revealing an anatomic anomaly, inflammatory or obstructive
• Significantly abnormal endoscopic biopsies (moderate to severe esophagitis, H. pylori)
• Abnormal abdominal ultrasound revealing hydronephrosis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis
• Positive screening for endocrine disorder (diabetic ketoacidosis, Addison's)
• Positive screening for inborn errors of metabolism (hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, hyperammonemia, organic acidemia, amino aciduria, elevated beta-ALA, porphobilinogen)