Gabapentin effective in Hyperemesis Gravidarum in early pregnancy, finds study

The findings have been published in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a disabling disease of early pregnancy for which there are no effective outpatient therapies. Because of the severe and persistent physical and psychological distress caused by HG, about 15% of HG pregnancies are terminated in the first trimester.

It is extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. Morning sickness is mild nausea and vomiting that occurs in early pregnancy

The present study undertaken by Guttuso et al , aimed at assessing the effects of Gabapentin's on Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

The study was designed as A randomized, double-blind, multi-center trial conducted among patients with medically-refractory HG. Subjects were randomized (1:1) to either oral gabapentin (1,800–2,400 mg a day) or an active comparator arm of either oral ondansetron (24–32 mg a day) or oral metoclopramide (45–60 mg a day) for 7 days. Change in Motherisk-PUQE scores from baseline to Days 5–7 served as the primary endpoint.

On data analysis, the following facts emerged.

• Thirty-one patients were enrolled from 10/2014–5/2019. Among the 21 subjects providing any primary outcome data (12 assigned to gabapentin, 9 to the active comparator arm), 18 were enrolled as outpatients and all 21 were outpatients on Days 5–7.
• Intention-to-treat analysis showed the gabapentin treatment arm to have greater reductions in Motherisk-PUQE scores (P5.005) and increases in oral nutrition (P5.007) from baseline as well as higher global satisfaction (P5.02), relief (P,.05) and desire to continue therapy (P5.04) compared to the active comparator arm.
• Adverse events and number of subject withdrawals were equivalent between the group

For full article follow the link: doi:10.1097/01.aog.0000664012.26321.e3

Primary source: Obstetrics & Gynecology