Authors: Verberg, M.F.G.¹; Gillott, D.J.¹; Al-Fardan, N.²; Grudzinskas, J.G.¹

Source: Human Reproduction Update, Volume 11, Number 5, September 2005 , pp. 527-539(13)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy often resulting in hospital admission. The incidence of HG is approximately 0.5% of live births, said to be higher in multiple pregnancies, hydatidiform mole and other conditions associated with increased pregnancy hormone levels. Both the aetiology and pathogenesis of HG remain unknown. We conducted a literature review (1966-now) to summarize the current evidence on the aetiology and pathogenesis of HG. The potential role of pregnancy-related hormones such as progesterone, estrogen and HCG has been widely studied; however, various other hormones such as leptin, placental growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid and adrenal cortical hormones have been implicated in the aetiology of HG. In addition to endocrinological hypotheses, the rationale and evidence considering infectious, immunological, psychological, metabolic and anatomical causes for HG have been analysed here. Many studies suffer from the low number of patients included, the variable definition used for HG and varying assay methodology used in studies of hormone measurement. This review highlights the need for more extensive studies addressing the pathogenesis and aetiology of HG.

Keywords: HCG; hyperemesis gravidarum; nausea; pregnancy; vomiting

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmi021

Affiliations: 1: Academic Unit of Reproductive Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK, 2: Department of Health and Medical Services, Obstetric and Gynaecology, Al Wasl Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and

Publication date: 2005-09-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction Update, first published in 1995, aims to provide invited, comprehensive, authoritative, up-to-date critical and balanced reviews covering all areas of human reproduction including reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology and counselling, ethics and social issues. These papers are peer-reviewed to the highest editorial and scientific standards. Human Reproduction Update is published on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Library Science ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
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