Hyperemesis Gravidarum

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum refers to intractable vomiting during pregnancy that leads to weight loss and volume depletion, resulting in ketonuria and/or ketonemia. There is no consensus on specific diagnostic criteria, but it generally refers to the severe end of the spectrum regarding nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. More information about hyperemesis gravidarum may be found on the NIH’s website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532917/

What is the prevalence of Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
The prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum is approximately 0.3-3% of pregnancies.

How is Hyperemesis Gravidarum diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum may be confirmed by a thorough clinical evaluation, detailed patient history, and the identification of characteristic symptoms. The diagnosis is one of exclusion as other causes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy must be ruled out.

Is there any specific gene/pathway in Hyperemesis Gravidarum that has been identified?
Recent studies using a genetic approach have identified factors that are more likely to be involved in the etiology of HG. In particular, a study of over 53,000 23andMe research participants identified an association between genetic variants in the placenta and appetite genes GDF15 and IGFBP7 and HG. These findings were replicated in a separate cohort in whom variants in other genes were also found to be associated with HG including the GDF15 gene, the GDF15 receptor gene, GFRAL, localized to the vomiting center of the brain, and the progesterone receptor gene PGR.

How is Hyperemesis Gravidarum treated?
The diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum should lead to immediate hospitalization of an affected individual in order to restore fluids and replace electrolytes by infusing medication and fluids through veins (intravenously). With these treatments, in many cases, vomiting may stop. If vomiting continues, antiemetic drug therapy may be recommended. More information on treatment may be found here: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hyperemesis-gravidarum/

Are there any clinical trials underway for Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has completed 15 clinical trials for Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Currently, there are 12 clinical trials underway for the condition. More information on future studies and patient recruitment can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=Hyperemesis+Gravidarum+&term=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=&Search=Search

How can RareShare be helpful to Hyperemesis Gravidarum patients and families?
The Hyperemesis Gravidarum Rareshare community has 4 members. There are currently 0 active discussions underway. New discussions can help to connect patients, health workers, caregivers and families interested in Hyperemesis Gravidarum and provide them continual access to community resources.