Helicobacter pylori infection and hyperemesis gravidarum is there a relationship?

ABSTRACT

To investigate any possible association between Helicobacter pylori infection [H. pylori] and hyperemesis gravidarum [HG] by using both H. pylori Stool Antigen [HpSA] test and H. pylori IgG Antibody [HpIgG Ab] serologic test. Prospective randomized study. One hundred thirty pregnant women in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy divided into two groups 65 patients with HG [HG group] and 65 randomly selected asymptomatic pregnant women matched for age, parity, gravidity and gestational age with patients in HG group and formed the control group. Serum samples collected from cases were examined for HpIgG Ab by Chemiilluminescence on Immulite and feces samples were examined for HpSA by Helicobacter Antigen Quick test. Chi square [x[2]] test was used accordingly for statistical analysis. Positive HpSA test was detected in 47.7% of patients with HG and in 13.9% of asymptomatic cases, the difference was statistically significant [x[2] = 7.25, P=0.001]. Positive HpIgG Ab was found in 81.5% of patients with HG and in 69.2% of control women. The difference was not statistically significant [x[2]= 3.23, P= 0.07]. This study suggests an association between H. pylori infection and HG. HpSA test provides a more accurate tool for detection of active H. pylori infection than IgG Ab serologic test that recommends its routine use in patients with HG as well as in women who desire to become pregnant in the near future