Hyperemesis Flashcards
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
DEfined as persistent vomiting in pregnancy which causes weight loss (>5% pre-pregnancy weight) and ketosis
When is the onset of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Always within the first trimester
What are risk factors for the development of hyperemesis gravidarum?
- Multiple pregnancies
- Molar pregnancies
- Previous hyperemesis gravidarum
Which hormone is thought to be the causative agent for hyperemesis gravidarum?
BHCG
How is BHCG correlated with symptoms in hyperemesis gravidarum?
Directly correlated to severity of vomiting - more BHCG there is, more vomiting
Why does hyperemesis present in the first trimester?
Peak levels of HCG in pregnancy are around 6-12 weeks
Why can those with hyperemesis have elevated free thyroxine levels?
HCG shares a common alpha-subunit with TSH and acts as a thyroid stimulator in patients with hyperemesis
Why might hyperemesis be more common in those with multiple pregnancies and molar pregnancies?
HCG levels are higher than normal singleton pregnancy.
What are clinical features of hyperemesis gravidarum?
- Inability to keep down food or fluid
- Decreased weight +/- nutritional deficiency
- Dehydration
- Tachycardia
- Postural hypotension
- Polyneuritis
- Mallowry-Weiss tears
- Liver and renal failure
- Evidence of electrolyte disturbance - hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia
What would you consider as a differential diagnosis for someone with features of hyperemesis gravidarum?
- UTI
- Multiple pregnancy
- Hydatiform mole
- GORD/Peptic ulceration
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Addison’s disease
- Pancreatitis
- Enteric infection
- Hepatitis
- Hypercalcaemia
What investigations would you consider doing in somoen with features of hyperemesis gravidarum?
- Bedside - Diptick, MSSU, weight
- Bloods - U+E’s, FBC, TFTs, BHCG, LFTs
- Imaging - USS
What might you find on investigation of urine dipstick in someone with hyperemesis gravidarum?
- Proteinuria - UTI
- Ketones - diabetes, catabolic state
- SG - dehydration
What might you find on investigation of MSSU?
UTI
What might you find on investigation of U+E’s in someone with hyperemesis gravidarum?
- Hyponatraemia
- Hypokalaemia
- Low urea
What might you find on investigation of FBC in someone with hyperemesis gravidarum?
Raised haematocrit