Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Antibiotic Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication During Pregnancy in Hyperemesis Gravidarum Patients

TL;DR

This study shows that treating Helicobacter pylori during pregnancy can safely reduce severe nausea and vomiting symptoms and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Contribution

Demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of H. pylori eradication in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Findings

85% eradication rate of H. pylori with antibiotic therapy in pregnant patients.

78% of patients experienced significant improvement in HG symptoms.

Hospitalization duration decreased from 7 days to 3 days post-treatment.

Abstract

Introduction

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, often leading to significant maternal and fetal complications. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been associated with HG, suggesting that eradication of the bacterium may alleviate symptoms. This study evaluates the safety and outcomes of antibiotic therapy for H. pylori eradication in pregnant women diagnosed with HG.

Objective

To assess the safety and outcomes of antibiotic regimens in eradicating H. pylori and improving clinical outcomes in pregnant patients with HG.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study involving 186 pregnant women diagnosed with HG and confirmed H. pylori infection was conducted at Family Health Hospital, Islamabad, from June 2023 to January 2024. Participants received a standardized antibiotic regimen safe for pregnancy. Data on eradication rates, symptom improvement, hospitalization duration, and maternal and fetal outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

The antibiotic therapy achieved an H. pylori eradication rate of 85% (158 patients). Significant improvement in HG symptoms was observed in 145 (78%) patients, while 41 (22%) reported no symptomatic benefit. The average hospitalization duration was reduced from 7 ± 2 days before treatment to 3 ± 1 days post-treatment (p<0.01). No serious adverse effects were reported. Fetal outcomes were reassuring: the mean birth weight was 3200 ± 500 g, gestational age at delivery averaged 39 ± 1.5 weeks, preterm deliveries occurred in nine (4.8%) cases, and low birth weight infants were recorded in seven (3.8%) cases; figures comparable to national averages.

Conclusion

Antibiotic therapy for H. pylori eradication is both safe and effective in managing HG during pregnancy. This treatment approach may offer a viable strategy to alleviate severe symptoms and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.