Could Helicobacter Pylori Infection Be A Risk Factor for Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum may be severe enough to affect the patient physically and psychologically. Previous studies indicated a relationship between Helicobacter pylori and hyperemesis gravidarum. The aim of this study is to evaluate if Helicobacter pylori infection has a possible etiological role in hyperemesis gravidarum.

Methods: The study was a case control study which was conducted at the obstetrics and gynecology department, Al saidy hospitals Makka and included 120 patients pregnant between 7 and 16 weeks and presented with hyperemesis gravidarum. Patients underwent a stool analysis for detecting Helicobacter pylori antigen and according to the test results were included in either case group (antigen positive, 60 patients) or control group (antigen negative, 60 patients).

Results: The cases group showed ketonuria in 22 (36.7%) patients, protinuria in 34 (56.7%) patients and urinary tract infection in 26 (43.3%) patients. The control group showed ketonuria in 4 (6.67%) patients, protinuria in 18 (30%) patients and urinary tract infection in 8 (13.3%) patients and these differences were all significant statistically.

Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori infection possibly contributes to the etiology of hyperemesis gravidarum. Also, the severity of the disease seems strongly related to Helicobacter pylori infection.

Keywords: Hyperemesis gravidarum; Nausea; Vomiting; Morning thickness; Helicobacter pylori