Helicobacter pylori serology in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum

Introduction: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a relatively common problem. Despite its obvious effect on quality of life in pregnancy, it can lead to dangerous complications. This study was conducted to evaluate the hypothesis that there is meaningful association between hyperemesis gravidarum and gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori. Methods: This is a prospective case-control study in which 90 pregnant women aged 15-37 years with gestational age of 6-16 weeks from LMP participated. 40 pregnant women with hypermesis gravidarum were selected from inpatient pregnants of Dr. Ali Shariati Hospital as cases and 50 normal pregnant from refereres to obstetric clinic of hospital as control group randomly. After filling written consent from, 5 cc venous blood sample was taken for detection of serum IgG and IgM for Helicobacter pylori and IgG>20 was considered positive. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of t-test. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Seropositivity for Helicobacter pylori was detected in 22 cases out of 40 hyperemetic women (55%) which was not statistically significant. In our study a significant correlation was seen between high BMI and seropositivity for Helicobacter pylori in mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum. Conclusion: Although infection with Helicobacter Pylori in hyperemetic pregnant women was higher than seronegative ones, it is not statistically significant.