Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) can cause severe nausea and vomiting early in pregnancy. Women who suffer from the condition tend to be hesitant to conceive again due to fear of suffering HG again. According to researchers from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, patients with a history of HG can be treated with Diclectin prior to the start of HG symptoms to ease nausea and vomiting. It is estimated that up to 85% of women who suffer HG will suffer the condition in subsequent pregnancies. Hospitalization may be required for severe dehydration. Death can occur if the condition goes untreated.

Current treatment protocol for HG involved treating pregnant patients with Diclectin after symptoms of HG are reported. The relief from symptoms is minimal, at best. In this study, researchers enlisted 59 women with a history of HG. Thirty of the women were treated with Dilectin prior to the onset of HG symptoms and the remaining 29 acted as the control for the study. The control group was given Diclectin when nausea was first reported.

Women in the active group who receive Diclectin prior to the onset of HG symptoms suffered full-blown HG less often than the control group (43.3% reduction in symptoms v. 20.6% reduction in symptoms). The active group also reported fewer severe cases of nausea and vomiting. Nearly 80% of women in the active group reported complete resolution of symptoms prior to delivery compared to the control group – 50% resolution.

According to Dr. Gideon Koren, study author, this is the first time women can look ahead with a feeling safety in terms of HG in a subsequent pregnancy – “This is the first time there is an answer. Women who have experienced hyperemesis are so traumatized by it, they are afraid of a second pregnancy.”

Diclectin is safe for use throughout pregnancy and can be started prior to pregnancy for patients who suffered severe HG in a previous pregnancy.

Source: Gideon Koren, Caroline Maltepe. The Hospital for Sick Children, The Motherisk Program/Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology.