Methodology: 3.5/5
Usefulness: 3/5

Ruberto AJ, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2020 Nov 5:S0196-0644(20)30666-1

Question and Methods: Randomized control trial in which cannabis users with active emesis received either haloperidol (0.05mg/kg or 0.1 mg/kg IV) or ondansetron 8mg IV for symptomatic relief.
Findings: 33 patients were enrolled and randomized, and for the primary outcome haloperidol (either dose) was superior to ondansetron [Difference 2.3 cm (95% confidence 0.6-4.0cm); P=0.01].
Limitations: This study had several limitations including complex design, enrollment difficulties, unplanned interim analyses, and unclear presentation of results.

Interpretation: In patients with suspected CHS, lower dose haloperidol (0.05 mg/kg) can be considered as first line supportive therapy in the ED. 

By: Dr. Zachary Macdonald

Author

  • Hans Rosenberg

    Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.