SR0633 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0633 LRB102 21530 LAW 30647 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is an unexplained disorder of children and adults that was first described by Dr. Samuel Gee in 1882; this rare condition is characterized by recurrent, prolonged attacks of severe nausea, vomiting, and prostration; vomiting occurs at frequent intervals for hours or days; CVS episodes tend to be similar to each other in symptoms and duration and are self-limited with return of normal health between episodes; the cause of CVS remains unknown; and

WHEREAS, CVS begins at any age and can persist for months, years, or decades; episodes may recur several times a month or several times a year; females are affected slightly more than males; a person suffering from CVS may be prone to motion sickness, and there is often a family history of migraine; there is a high likelihood that children's episodes will be replaced by migraine headaches during late adolescence; and

WHEREAS, Episodes of CVS may begin at any time but often start during the early morning hours; sufferers experience relentless nausea with repeated bouts of vomiting or retching; the person is pale, listless, and resists talking; they often drool or spit and have an extreme thirst; they may experience intense abdominal pain and less often headache, low-grade fever, and diarrhea; prolonged vomiting may cause mild bleeding from irritation of the esophagus; the symptoms are frightening to the sufferer and family and can be life-threatening if delayed treatment leads to dehydration; and

WHEREAS, CVS has been difficult to diagnose because it is infrequently recognized and often misdiagnosed as stomach flu or food poisoning; there are as yet no blood tests, x-rays, or other specific procedures used to diagnose the disorder; the diagnosis is made by careful review of the patient's history, physical examination, and lab studies to rule out other diseases that may cause vomiting similar to CVS; and

WHEREAS, Although some patients know of nothing that triggers CVS attacks, many identify specific circumstances that seem to initiate their episodes; the most frequently reported triggers include colds, flus, other infections, menstrual periods, emotional stress, and intense excitement brought on by such events as birthdays, holidays, and vacations; specific foods or anesthetics may also play a role; and

WHEREAS, CVS treatment is generally supportive with much importance placed on early intervention; a dark quiet environment is critical for sleep; hospitalizations and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary; medication trials often succeed in preventing, shortening, or aborting episodes; links have been made between CVS and mitochondrial disease along with the use of CoQ10, L-Carnitine, and other supplements; it is important to work with a supportive physician who does their best to understand CVS; and

WHEREAS, The foundation of long-term CVS management involves a responsive, collaborative doctor-patient-family relationship, sensitive to stresses caused by the illness and to triggers such as feelings and attitudes that may predispose to attacks; consistent, accessible physician care by a care coordinator who understands and communicates the nature of CVS, regardless of specialty, is vital to the family's well-being; and

WHEREAS, The Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA) was founded in 1993 and advocates tirelessly to make others aware of how challenging CVS can be and how important it is to find a cure; with assistance from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society, the CVSA produced necessary guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of both pediatric and adult CVS and, in 2012, supported a breakthrough in treating CVS with the establishment of the first emergency room protocol model; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March 5, 2022 as Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Awareness Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association with our sincere appreciation for their efforts.