Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a gynecological disorder related to pregnancy, it is characterized by uncontrollable nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy and results in dehydration, weight loss and acidosis.

Ordinary morning sickness with nausea and vomiting differ from Hyperemesis gravidarum by that pregnant women with morning sickness vomit everything they ingest, while they continue to gain weight and are not dehydrated.

Psychological factors are determinant in hyperemesis gravidarum, but we should never underestimate the danger of other factors. However, dehydration, weight loss and ketosis are three serious consequences of severe vomiting that suggest hyperemesis gravidarum.

Persistent hyperemesis gravidarum is uncommon; However, women with persistent hyperemesis gravidarum must be evaluated for liver disease, as it is commonly associated with serious liver damage. Pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum must be evaluated for suspected liver disease, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, kidney infection, GI tract lesions, and intracranial lesions, as all of these diseases can cause vomiting.

Symptoms

1. Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy that results in dehydration and acidosis.
2. Depression, bad mood, emotional liability
3. Weight loss and bad appetite

Causes

Psychological changes arising from physiological changes in the body of the pregnant female and related to the growth of the baby.

Treatment

Hospitalization for 1 day with bedtime regimen, patients are set on a no-food-by-mouth regimen, IV infusion of water, electrolytes and glucose, as well as administration of IV vitamins, after correcting the disorder, small meals regimen is recommended (8 small meals per day), together with rehydration therapy by IV liquids to be repeated more than twice.

Next steps management

Diagnostic testing, if hemorrhagic retinitis is observed pregnancy should be terminated at once, pregnant women must be evaluated for preexisting diseases of the digestive tract such as Crohns disease, GI tract lesions, pancreatitis, kidney infection or intracranial lesions, all of which can cause vomiting.

Verified by: Dr.Diab (October 22, 2017)

Citation: Dr.Diab. (October 22, 2017). Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Medcoi Journal of Medicine, 4(2). urn:medcoi:article15727.