Home subcutaneous metoclopramide therapy for hyperemesis gravidarum.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of subcutaneous (s.c.) metoclopramide in the outpatient treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.


METHODS
In a retrospective design, women who received continuous s.c. metoclopramide for treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum were identified from a national database. Data analysis included weight at start and stop of treatment, frequency of resolution of symptoms, and side effects of medication. In addition, data were collected on adjuvant therapies.


RESULTS
Between January and December of 1997, there were 646 women with hyperemesis gravidarum who received continuous s.c. metoclopramide on an outpatient basis. A total of 413 patients (63.9%) had complete resolution of symptoms. Seventy-five percent of patients had received one or more antiemetic medications before initiation of s.c. metoclopramide. A total of 192 patients (30.5%) reported at least one side effect related to treatment. The majority of reported side effects were considered mild and did not require discontinuation of s.c. metoclopramide.


CONCLUSIONS
S.c. metoclopramide appears to be a safe, effective treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum. Outpatient treatment may result in decreased costs compared with inpatient hospitalization.
Buttino
L
L
Franciscan Medical Center, Dayton, OH, USA.
Coleman
S K
SK
Bergauer
N K
NK
Gambon
C
C
Stanziano
G J
GJ
D000328:Adult; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D006939:Hyperemesis Gravidarum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008787:Metoclopramide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000932:Antiemetics; D008787:Metoclopramide