Biotin deficiency in hyperemesis gravidarum

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the serum biotin levels in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Ninety pregnant women with HG (mild (n = 30), moderate (n = 30) and severe (n = 30)), and 80 pregnant women without HG were included for this study. In both groups, serum biotin levels were measured. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the HG groups and the control group except for PUQE scores. Serum biotin levels in all hyperemesis gravidarum groups were statistically significantly lower than control group. Negative statistically significant correlation between hyperemesis gravidarum severity and serum biotin levels was noted. This is the first study that shows low serum biotin levels in women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Impact statement

• What is already known on this subject? Almost 80% of pregnant women have nausea and vomiting. If nausea and vomiting became severe and the symptoms combined with weight loss and ketonuria; the diagnosis should be hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The etiopathogenetic factors of this unwanted condition have not been exactly known. Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Biotin catabolism increases in pregnancy. Marginal biotin deficiency occurs in approximately 50% of the gestations despite the “normal” biotin intake on the diet.

• What do the results of this study add? Current study results elucidated that serum biotin levels were lower in HG cases compared to non HG cases. This study is the first study that reports the association between low serum level of biotin and HG.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further research is needed to show the importance of biotin supplementation in women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Keywords:

• Biotin
• hyperemesis gravidarum
• modified PUQE
• pregnancy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.