Evaluation of the relationship between Helicobacter Pylori infection and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

BACKGROUND Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) is one of the many problems during pregnancy; its etiology has not been clearly understood. Inflammatory factors like helicobacter pylori infection has been considered as a risk factor in some studies. The purpose of the present study is to find a relationship between Helicobacter Pylori (H.P) infection and hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG). METHODS A case control study was performed on two groups of pregnant women who were in the first trimester of their pregnancies. Case group were pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum and control group were pregnant women with the same gestational age but without hyperemesis gravidarum. In both groups, IgG for H.P was measured and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS Totally, 175 pregnant women were evaluated; 78 women with HEG and 97 without. Both groups had no statistically significant difference according to age, gestational age, gravidity, and body mass index (BMI). 51 women out of 78 (65.4%) in HEG group and 43 women (44.3%) in the control group were IgG positive for HP, which showed a significant difference (p=0.005); OR= 2.37, CI 95%= 1.28-4.38. Also, mean serum level of IgG was higher in the HEG group (42.1 ± 3.75 VS 32.6 ± 3.65, p= 0.05). Between the different variables of age, gestational age, gravidity and HP infection, only HP infection was found as a risk factor for HEG using logistic regression model (p=0.011); OR= 2.522, CI 95%= 1.23-5.14. CONCLUSION HP infection is higher in HEG cases and may be considered as its risk factor.