Hyperemesis gravidarum in Eastern Asian population

To investigate the clinical features of hyperemesis gravidarum in Eastern Asian women.

Retrospective cohort study was conducted based on delivery records. Hyperemesis gravidarum was defined as a pregnancy with severe nausea and vomiting necessitating hospitalization with a body weight loss of over 5% from pre-pregnancy weight with ketonuria. The onset is at 10 weeks of gestation or less. Maternal and neonatal variables were compared.

There were 3,350 singleton deliveries in the study period. All subjects were Eastern Asian women. Hyperemesis gravidarum was observed in 119 cases (3.6%). Hyperemesis gravidarum subjects had a smaller pre-pregnancy body weight (50.5 +/- 0.64 kg vs. 51.8 +/- 0.16 kg, p = 0.046) and a smaller pre-pregnancy body mass index compared to non-hyperemetic subjects (20.2 +/- 0.21 kg/m2 vs. 20.8 +/- 0.06 kg/m2, p = 0.02).

The Eastern Asian population had a significantly higher incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum. Small pre-pregnancy body habitus increased the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum.