#189 Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy Flashcards
What is the prevalence of nausea during pregnancy? Vomiting and retching?
Nausea 50-80%
Vomiting and retching 50%
What is the recurrence rate of nausea and vomiting in subsequent pregnangies?
15-81%
What clinical score/index is there for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy that the score is associated with quality of life measures?
Pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis and nausea (PUQE)
Can early treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy help prevent progression to hyperemesis gravidarum?
It may be beneficial
What questions are asked on the pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis and nausea assessment?
On average day, how long do you feel nauseated or sick to your stomach? On average day, how many times do you vomit? On average day, how many times do you have dry heaves?
What is the diagnostic criteria for hyperemesis gravidarum?
No single accepted definition exists. Clinical diagnosis of exclusion. Most common criteria: persistent vomiting not related to other causes, measure of acute starvation (large ketonuria), discrete measure of weight loss (usually at least 5% of prepregnancy weight)
What lab abnormalities might be seen in patient with hyperemesis gravidarum?
Electrolyte abnormalities, biochemical hyperthyroidism (low TSH, increased thyroxine), elevated liver enzymes (usually <300units/L), increased bilirubin (<4mg/dL), serum amylase or lipase (up to 5x normal levels)
What is the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Approximately 0.3-3% of pregnancies
What is the most common indication for admission to the hospital during first trimester?
Hyperemesis gravidarum
When does nausea and vomiting of pregnancy typically start?
Almost always before 9wks. Need to consider other etiologies if after 9wks
What GI conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
Gastroenteritis, gastroparesis, achalasia, biliary tract disease, hepatitis, intestinal obstruction, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, appendicitis
What conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy related to the GU tract?
Pyelonephritis, uremia, ovarian torsion, kidney stones, degenerating uterine leiomyoma
What metabolic conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
Diabetic ketoacidosis, porphyria, Addison’s disease, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism
What neurologic conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
Pseudotumor cerebri, vestibular lesions, migraine headaches, tumors of the CNS, lymphocytic hypophysitis
What pregnancy-related conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy, preeclampsia
What theories of the etiology of nausea and vomiting have been proposed?
Hormonal stimulus (hcg and estrogen), evolutionary adaptation and psychologic predisposition
What hormones are though to be associated with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
hcg and estrogen
How does cigarette smoking affect the levels of hcg and estradiol during pregnancy?
Lower levels of both
How does cigarette smoking affect the risk of a woman to get hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy?
Decreases the risk (postulated due to decreased levels of hcg and estradiol)
Is there an association between women who have nausea and vomiting after estrogen exposure (eg high dose OCP taper) and risk of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
Yes. Those with n/v after estrogen exposure have increased risk of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
What underlying psychiatric condition is associated with increased risk of hyperemesis gravidarum?
None! Evidence that n/v of pregnancy is caused by a conversion disorder or an abnormal response to stress is “questionable at best”
What are risk factors for development of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Increased placental mass (eg, advanced molar gestation, multiple gestation), history of motion sickness, migraine headaches, family history, personal history in prior pregnancy
What significant morbidities can be caused by nausea and vomiting of pregnancy?
Wernicke encephalopathy, splenic avulsion, esophageal rupture, pneumothorax, and acute tubular necrosis
What causes Wernicke encephalopathy?
Vitamin B1 deficiency