Hyperemesis Likely to Recur

According to recent findings from a population-based study, risk for recurrence may be as high as 15%.

Hyperemesis gravidarum — severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that can result in weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and ketonuria — occurs in about 0.5% of pregnancies. Its pathogenesis is unclear but may include high estrogen levels, primary gastric dysrhythmias, and even hyperthyroidism; contrary to previous belief, hyperemesis is not a psychiatric condition. In this population-based study, researchers examined risk for recurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum among 547,238 women with first and second deliveries documented in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (from 1967 through 1998). Diagnostic criteria included nausea and vomiting associated with ketosis, plus weight loss greater than 5% of prepregnancy weight.

Hyperemesi…

Reviewing Author

Sandra Ann Carson, MD