Hyperemesis gravidarum and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2019 Aug;300(2):347-353. doi: 10.1007/s00404-019-05192-y. Epub 2019 May 16.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients complicated with mild or severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women aged 18-45 with a singleton pregnancy that were admitted to the gynecological ward at the Soroka University Medical Center due to HG between the years 2013-2016 and gave birth at the same hospital was conducted. During the study period 89 patients met the inclusion criteria and comprised the study group. Women without HG who gave birth at the same time period comprised the comparison group (n = 91). Univariate analysis was carried out using Chi square or Fisher's exact test for nominal variables, and T test for numeric variables. Significance was defined as a P value < 0.05.

Results: Women with HG were more likely to have experienced HG in a previous pregnancy. Rate of amniotic fluid abnormalities was significantly lower in the study group. However, rates of all other pregnancy complications were comparable between the groups. A sub-analysis of the HG group comparing mild and severe cases demonstrated no significant differences in rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study no association was demonstrated between HG and adverse pregnancy outcomes regardless of HG severity. Women with severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can be reassured that HG is not associated with unfavorable maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Adverse pregnancy outcomes; Electrolyte disturbances; Elevated liver enzymes; Hyperemesis gravidarum; Ketonuria; Poor maternal weight gain.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperemesis Gravidarum / complications*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult