Adverse Infant Outcomes in Hyperemesis Elucidated

Adverse Infant Outcomes in Hyperemesis Elucidated

Obstetrics & Gynecology 2006; 107: 285-92

Poor maternal weight gain is the most likely factor underlying the link between hyperemesis gravidarum and adverse infant outcomes, say experts.

Their conclusion is based on a population-based cohort study involving 156,091 singleton pregnancies, 1270 of which were complicated by hyperemesis, defined as nausea and vomiting requiring hospital admission, before 24 weeks' gestation.

Using logistic regression analysis, Linda Dodds (Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada) and co-workers found that infants born to women with hyperemesis, and who gained less than 7 kg in weight during pregnancy, were significantly more likely to be premature, of low birthweight, small for their gestational age, and have 5-minute Apgar scores below 7, compared with their counterparts born to mothers without hyperemesis.

Interestingly, however, outcomes among infants born to women with hyperemesis who gained 7 kg or more were comparable with outcomes among women without the condition.

"Our results suggest that adverse infant outcomes associated with hyperemesis are a consequence of poor maternal weight gain," write Dodds et al, adding that a limitation of the current study is the lack of data on antiemetic medication use.

"Whether or not the neonatal outcomes would be improved if weight gain were not compromised remains to be answered."

Posted: 20 February 2006