The clinical management of hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe and disabling condition with potentially life-threatening complications. It is likely to have a multifactorial etiology which contributes to the difficulty in treatment. Treatment is supportive with correction of dehydration and electrolyte disturbance, antiemetic therapy, prevention and treatment of complications like Wernicke's encephalopathy, osmotic demyelination syndrome, thromboembolism, and good psychological support. There are abundant data on the safety of antihistamines, phenothiazines, and metoclopromide in early pregnancy and treatment should therefore not be withheld on the basis of teratogenicity concerns. Thiamine replacement is indicated in hyperemesis gravidarum to prevent development of Wernicke's encephalopathy.