Authors: Merhavy CE, Dietz GI, Merhavy ZI.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) effects on average 0.3-3.3% of expecting mothers during pregnancy. The exact percentage of effected individuals may vary per study, as the reporting of HG can be inconsistent amongst providers due to a number of variables. The effect of this disease on patients as well as the lack of education and/or resources available to them presents a significant gap in medical treatment that is failing these vulnerable patients. Until recently, the etiology of the condition was not well understood, however, recent advances suggest the placentally expressed nausea and vomiting hormone GDF15 plays a major role. Due to lack of research into the subject, the knowledge available for safe and affordable pharmaceutical interventions and treatments is significantly lacking for these vulnerable patients. The combination of low prevalence only recently established diagnostic definition, and little clinical knowledge surrounding HG, impacts the resources and support that patients will receive. The severity of the disease often leads to deterioration of the physical, mental, and social health of patients. It is this lack of support and education that conveys the need for healthcare providers to be more knowledgeable about the disease, available treatment options, and offer compassion and support to these patients.
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