THE NUTRITIONAL-STATUS AND TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and the effect of a tr eatment regimen administered during hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: Thi s was a descriptive, controlled study of 20 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum whose nutritional status was assessed and compared with tha t of 20 pregnant, nonvomiting matched controls. Blood nutrient status was reassessed after 10 days of treatment with an intravenous saline s olution containing a multivitamin preparation and again at day 20. RES ULTS: Mean dietary intake of most nutrients fell below 50% of the reco mmended dietary allowances and differed significantly (p < 0.01) from that of controls. More than 60% of the patients had suboptimal biochem ical status of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, vitamin A, and retin ol-binding protein. Vitamin C, calcium, albumin, hematocrit, and hemog lobin values were significantly higher in those patients where the dur ation of vomiting had been longer, suggesting the presence of dehydrat ion. Treatment was associated with cessation of vomiting and improveme nt in blood nutrient status. Pregnancy outcome was favorable in all pa tients. CONCLUSION: The hyperemetic pregnant patient is at nutritional risk; prompt initiation of corrective therapy is recommended.