Objectives: To test the hypothesis that infection with Helicobacter pylori is associated with hyperemesis gravidarum.
Methods: From November 1999 to February 2001, we enrolled 54 pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum and 53 asymptomatic pregnant women in a prospective study. Specific serum immunoglobulin G for Helicobacter pylori was assayed in the sera of the study group and compared with the asymptomatic group. Chi-square and Student's t-test were used accordingly for statistical analysis of the data.
Results: Serologically positive Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 44 out of 54 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (81.5%) whereas 29 out of 53 asymptomatic gravidas (54.7%) had positive antibody titers for Helicobacter pylori. The ratio of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum was significantly higher than asymptomatic pregnant women (P<0.01). The mean (+/-S.D.) of the IgG titer was 69.7 (+/-77.5) in the hyperemesis gravidarum group and 34.5 (+/-47.8) in the control group (P<0.01).
Conclusions: There is a significant association between Helicobacter pylori infection and hyperemesis gravidarum in our hyperemetic pregnant patients.