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Hyperemesis gravidarium: Epidemiologic findings from a large cohort
1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Insights
Hyperemesis gravidarum affects approximately 4.73 in 10,000 births, leading to higher healthcare charges. Infants born to mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum have lower birth weights and are more likely to be small for gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Public Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
- Understanding its impact on maternal and infant outcomes is crucial for healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency, clinical course, associated costs, and outcomes of hyperemesis gravidarum.
- To compare perinatal outcomes between mothers with and without hyperemesis gravidarum.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linked California birth certificate and hospital discharge data from 1999 (N=520,739).
- Defined hyperemesis gravidarum using ICD-9 codes.
- Analyzed frequency, charges, demographics, and maternal/neonatal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum complicated 2,466 births (0.47%).
- Average hospital stay was 2.6 days with an average charge of $5,932.
- Infants of mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum had lower birth weights (3,255g vs 3,380g) and were more likely to be small for gestational age (29.21% vs 20.8%).
Conclusions:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in approximately 473 per 100,000 live births.
- The condition is associated with significant healthcare charges.
- Infants born to mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum exhibit lower birth weights and increased likelihood of being small for gestational age.
Objective:
This study was undertaken to quantify the frequency, clinical course, charges, and outcomes of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Study Design:
California birth certificate data linked with maternal and neonatal hospital discharge data in 1999 were used (N=520,739). Hyperemesis was defined by ICD-9 codes. The frequency, estimated charges, and demographic characteristics associated with hyperemesis patients were assessed. Maternal and neonatal perinatal outcomes were compared by maternal hyperemesis status.
Results:
Hyperemesis complicated 2,466 of 520,739 births. The average length of stay was 2.6 days and the average charge was $5,932. Singleton hyperemesis infants were smaller (3,255 vs 3,380 g; P < .0001 and more likely to be small for gestational age (29.21% vs 20.8%; P < .0001).
Conclusion:
Hyperemesis occurs in 473 of 100,000 live births and is associated with significant charges. Infants of mothers with hyperemesis have lower birth weights and the mothers are more likely to have infants that are small for gestational age.