title: Experience with oral methylprednisolone in the treatment of refractory hyperemesis gravidarum.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our purpose was to describe the effect of oral methylprednisolone on the course of refractory hyperemesis gravidarum.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with intractable hyperemesis gravidarum were candidates for oral methylprednisolone. Forty-eight milligrams per day was given for 3 days followed by a tapering dose over 2 weeks. If vomiting recurred after 2 weeks of therapy or during tapering, the medication was restarted or extended but not longer than 1 month total.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventeen of 18 patients (94%) were free of vomiting and were able to tolerate a regular diet within 3 days. Seven did not have further symptoms during their pregnancies. Nine vomited during or after tapering, but 7 of these responded to extension or reinstitution of therapy. Four of 6 patients on total parenteral nutrition at the start of therapy had a complete response within 3 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A short course of oral methylprednisolone appears to be a reasonable therapeutic alternative for intractable hyperemesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Safari
authors.forename: O M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Alsulyman
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Gherman
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Goodwin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006939:Hyperemesis Gravidarum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D008775:Methylprednisolone