Helicobacter pylori infection and persistent hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is the most severe spectrum of gastrointestinal complaints in pregnant women. Our purpose is to describe an association of Helicobacter pylori with hyperemesis gravidarum. Three pregnant women are described with the working diagnoses of hyperemesis gravidarum unresponsive to standard therapy. The medical management used to treat Helicobacter pylori in these women are elaborated. The persistence of the symptomatology and/or hematemesis resulted in Helicobacter pylori testing of these women. A 2-week course of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor or H2 receptor antagonist resulted in resolution of the hyperemesis. A discussion of the incidence, diagnosis, and management of Helicobacter pylori in pregnancy is described. When the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum are persistent into the second trimester, active peptic ulcer disease from Helicobacter pylori should be included in the differential diagnoses.