Remission of a Pregnant Woman with Persistent Hyperemesis Gravidarum with Corticosteroid Treatment

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting affect more than 50% of pregnancies. It presents a broad spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe weight loss and that may affect daily activities. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe pathologic form of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy characterized by a greater than 5% loss of weight and unexplained ketonuria. Hyperemesis gravidarum affects approximately 0.5% of pregnancies. The pathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum is not exactly known but multifactorial. Previous pregnancy history, low body mass index, maternal inheritance, maternal mood disorders are thought to be associated with. Other causes of nausea and vomiting, such as gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, central nervous system, toxic metabolism, must be ruled out. The risk factors include family history, obstetric history, molar pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, nulliparity, female fetus, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, asthma, depression, peptic ulcer or other gastrointestinal disorders. Severe symptoms affect daily activities, cause anxiety, and sometimes may even lead to the termination of pregnancy and cancellation of future pregnancy plans. The symptoms that started in the first trimester of pregnancy decrease and recover to starting of the second trimester. In our case, we will discuss the successful treatment of severe form of hyperemesis gravidarum with parenteral and oral corticosteroids atypically in the second trimester.

Keywords

• corticosteroids
• hyperemesis gravidarum
• helicobacter pylori