Gastric emptying in hyperemesis gravidarum and non-dyspeptic pregnancy

Background: Emesis and hyperemesis are significant problems associated with early pregnancy. However, gastric emptying of solids has never been studie d during early pregnancy in humans. Aim: To investigate gastric emptying of solids in patients recovering from hyperemesis gravidarum and in nondyspeptic pregnant women and to compare th ese results with a group of healthy non-pregnant women, Methods: Fourteen patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, 10 non-dyspeptic pr egnant women and 36 nonpregnant women in the first half of the menstrual cy cle underwent a gastric emptying study. Seven non-pregnant women repeated t he test in the post-ovulatory period, Results: Gastric emptying of solids was not significantly delayed in non-dy speptic pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women. The emptying rate tended to be impaired in the post-ovulatory period of the menstrual cycle. Solid emptying was significantly accelerated in patients recovering from hy peremesis gravidarum, correlating well with thyroid function in the latter group. Conclusion: Pregnancy in humans is not associated with decreased solid gast ric emptying. In subjects recovering from hyperemesis gravidarum, solid emp tying is increased, correlating well with thyroid function abnormalities. N ausea and vomiting in hyperemesis are therefore probably not due to upper g astrointestinal disorders.