Risk factors, treatments, and outcomes associated with prolonged hyperemesis gravidarum

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors associated with prolonged Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Study Design: About 395 women completed a survey regarding pre-existing conditions, treatments and outcomes. Responses were compared using two-sided t-tests or the F-test. Results: Participants with prolonged HG are slightly younger and weigh more. Pre-existing factors associated with prolonged HG include allergies and a restrictive diet. Prolonged HG is associated with hematemesis, dizziness, fainting and antiemetic treatment. Following pregnancy, those with prolonged HG reported more posttraumatic stress, motion sickness, muscle weakness and infants with irritability, severe colic and growth restriction. Conclusion: Multiple pre-existing conditions and poor maternal and infant outcomes were associated with prolonged HG. The most significant condition prior to pregnancy was allergies suggesting a possible autoimmune component affecting duration of HG. In addition, the most significant lifestyle choice linked to prolonged HG was a restrictive diet. Future research is needed to determine whether a change in diet prior to pregnancy may lead to a shorter duration of HG and its associated outcomes.

Keywords::

• hyperemesis gravidarum
• outcomes
• risk factors
• treatments

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. This study has been approved by Institutional Review Boards, USC IRB # HS-06-00056 and UCLA IRB # 09-08-122-01A.