Biotin deficiency in hyperemesis gravidarum

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy with unknown causes.
• Biotin is an essential vitamin, and its metabolism increases during pregnancy, potentially leading to deficiency.
• Marginal biotin deficiency is observed in about 50% of pregnancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum biotin levels in pregnant women diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum.
• To compare biotin levels between women with and without HG.
• To explore the correlation between HG severity and serum biotin concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Serum biotin levels were measured in 90 pregnant women with HG (mild, moderate, severe) and 80 healthy pregnant controls.
• Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed, including PUQE scores.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and identify correlations.

Main Results:

• Serum biotin levels were significantly lower in all HG groups compared to the control group.
• A negative correlation was observed between HG severity and serum biotin levels.
• No significant differences in demographic characteristics were found between groups, except for PUQE scores.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study to demonstrate lower serum biotin levels in women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.
• The findings suggest a potential role for biotin in the pathophysiology of HG.
• Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy of biotin supplementation for managing HG.