An abstract titled, “Leukocytosis And Healthcare Utilization In Patients With Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Presenting To The Emergency Department,” was published in Digestive Disease Week by authors Elisa Karhu, Nielsen Fernandez-Becker, Linda Anh B. Nguyen, Yen Low, C. William Pike, and Leila Neshatian. Dr. Karhu, Dr. Fernandez-Becker, Dr. Nguyen, and Dr. Neshatian are affiliated with Stanford Medicine. Dr. Pike and Dr. Low are affiliated with Atropos Health.
Short Summary:
This study examined the prevalence of leukocytosis in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for nausea and vomiting due to Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and whether it leads to extensive workup with associated high healthcare costs. A retrospective analysis of patients in a national database of electronic health records (Eversana) was queried of patients age 18-90 years with CHS who presented to the ED between 2010-2023.
Key Conclusions:
- Leukocytosis was observed in over one-third of patients with CHS presenting to the ED.
- Patients with CHS exhibiting leukocytosis received greater diagnostic test and antibiotic utilization despite having higher WBC count at baseline and up to 6 months during follow-up.
- Recognizing this phenomenon is crucial for preventing unnecessary diagnostic investigations and health care costs. Additionally, leukocytosis should increase suspicion for the diagnosis of CHS in otherwise healthy individuals with nausea and vomiting.
- Whether presence of leukocytosis could be used to differentiate CHS from related conditions such as gastroparesis and cyclic vomiting syndrome warrants further study.
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