Evaluation of the vestibular system with video head impulse test in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum: Associations with personal and family history of nausea

INTRODUCTION

The pathogenesis and risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum, excessive nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, are not adequately recognized. In our previous study, we found that women with a personal history of nausea in different situations and a family history of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) were more likely to have severe NVP. The present study focuses on these themes in association with hyperemesis gravidarum in a hospital setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Women with hyperemesis gravidarum (n = 102) were recruited from among patients hospitalized due to hyperemesis gravidarum in Turku University Hospital, Finland. Our control group (Non-NVP group, n = 138) consisted of pregnant women with no NVP. Personal history of nausea in different situations was inquired about in relation to "motion sickness", "seasickness", "migraine", "other kind of headache", "after anesthesia", "during the use of contraception", and "other kinds of nausea". Relatives with NVP were divided into first-degree (mother and sisters) and second-degree (more distant) relatives.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, a personal history of motion sickness, seasickness, nausea related to migraine, nausea with other headache and nausea in other situations were associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. After adjusting for age, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, marital status, and smoking, motion sickness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.67-10.31, p < 0.0001), seasickness (aOR 4.82, 95% CI 2.32-10.03, p < 0.0001), nausea related to migraine (aOR 3.00, 95% CI 1.58-5.70, p < 0.001), and nausea in other situations (aOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.13-6.20, p = 0.025) remained significant. In multivariable analysis with all history of nausea variables, motion sickness (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.29-5.89, p = 0.009) and nausea related to migraine (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.40-6.86, p = 0.005) were associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Having any affected relative (OR 3.51, 95%CI 1.84-6.73, p = 0.0002), especially a first-degree relative (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.62-5.79, p = 0.0006), was also associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Adjustment did not change the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with a personal history of nausea or a family history of NVP are more likely to suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum. These results are beneficial to better identify and help women at risk for hyperemesis gravidarum.

Vestibular Findings on the Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Functional and anatomic changes occur during pregnancy. Some of these changes are in the auditory and vestibular systems. However, there is a lack of information about the functional changes to critical structures that contribute to balance and proprioception. This study aims to evaluate the functions and shifts to the semicircular canals throughout gestation. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study. A video head impulse test (vHIT) was performed on all healthy pregnant patients with gestational periods ranging from the 20th to 40th weeks who were admitted to a maternal-fetal care unit. Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gains in the lateral, posterior, and anterior semicircular canals and gains in asymmetry were obtained. Results A significant positive relationship was observed in the right (R = 0.1064; P = 0.0110) and left (R = 0.2993; P = 0.0001) lateral semicircular canals as gestational weeks increased. Lower gains were seen at the start of the second trimester for the lateral canals. No significant gains were seen in the anterior or posterior canals throughout pregnancies until labor. No significant gains in asymmetry were detected. Conclusions Pregnant females may present vestibular changes in the semicircular lateral canals starting from the 20th week of gestation until labor. Increased gains may be associated with volumetric changes probably given by hormonal actions.