RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. Prospective Multicenter Study of Patients Admitted to Adult Emergency Departments in Maine-et-Loire.

This study, taking place in emergency departments in Maine-et-Loire, France, is looking into a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). CHS causes severe stomach pain and vomiting, often relieved by hot showers, in people who use cannabis regularly. Because cannabis use is common in France, and CHS can be hard to diagnose, researchers want to find out how often people coming to the emergency room with tummy pain or sickness actually have CHS. They will ask participants to fill out a questionnaire and follow up with some who use cannabis to see how their symptoms change over time. This will help doctors understand and treat CHS better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Angers

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

25 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

D000096704 Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

What is this study about?

This study is about a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS. It causes really bad tummy pain and sickness, and it usually affects people who use cannabis regularly. What's interesting is that these symptoms often get better with hot showers, which can be a clue for doctors. Despite more attention on CHS, it can still be tricky for doctors to figure out when someone has it, leading to many trips to the emergency room before a diagnosis is made. Once diagnosed, symptoms can be quite severe, requiring longer stays in the emergency room.

Cannabis is widely used in France, and it's important for doctors to understand conditions linked to its use. We don't have a lot of information on how common CHS is in France, so this study aims to find this out in adult emergency departments in the Maine-et-Loire area. By understanding how often CHS occurs, doctors can get better at recognising it and helping people who suffer from it.

The main goal is to estimate how many patients who come to the emergency room for the first time with tummy pain or sickness actually have CHS. The study will look for patients who use cannabis regularly (at least once a week for six months or more) and where no other cause for their pain or sickness can be found after medical checks.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on tummy pain and sickness caused by regular cannabis use (CHS).
It aims to find out how common CHS is in French emergency departments.
Participation involves filling out a questionnaire during your emergency visit.
If you have CHS and use cannabis, you might get a follow-up phone call after three months.
No new treatments or medicines are involved in this observational study.
Your decision to join or leave the study won't affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. You must also be visiting an adult emergency department in Maine-et-Loire for the first time during the study period because you have tummy pain or are being sick.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. You can't take part if you don't want to. Also, if you can't understand or answer a questionnaire, for example, if you don't speak French, are under legal guardianship, or have other reasons that prevent you from filling it out, you won't be able to participate.

Finally, if you are pregnant, you will not be able to be part of this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Are you visiting an adult emergency department in Maine-et-Loire for the first time for tummy pain or sickness?
Are you able to understand and complete a questionnaire?
Are you not pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to answer a questionnaire. This can be done on your phone using a QR code or by filling out a paper form if you don't have a phone. This initial questionnaire will be completed during your emergency department visit. If you mention that you use cannabis regularly (at least once a week for more than six months) and are found to have CHS, the researchers will call you about three months later. This phone call will check how you're feeling, if your symptoms have returned, what treatments you're receiving, and if you've stopped using cannabis. You can decide if you want to participate, and your choice won't affect your medical care. The entire study participation, including the follow-up call, will last about three months.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is observational, meaning it won't involve new medicines or treatments; you will continue to receive standard medical care. There are no direct medical risks from participating. A potential benefit is helping doctors better understand CHS, which could lead to improved diagnosis and care for others in the future. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (3)

Angers Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU)
Verified postcode
Angers, France· Recruiting
Centre Hospitalier de Cholet
Verified postcode
Cholet, France· Recruiting
Centre Hospitalier de Saumur
Verified postcode
Saumur, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?

CHS is a condition that causes severe tummy pain and vomiting in people who use cannabis regularly. Hot showers often provide temporary relief.

Why is this study being done?

The study aims to understand how common CHS is in emergency departments in France and help doctors recognise and manage it better.

Will I have to take any new medication?

No, this is an observational study, meaning you won't be given any new medications or treatments as part of the research.

How will I be followed up if I take part?

If you use cannabis regularly and have CHS, you'll receive a phone call about three months later to check on your symptoms and general well-being.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Julien DENIS, Doctor

julien.denis@ch-saumur.fr +33 2 41 53 30 30 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.