Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of corticosteroids for the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of severe hyperemesis gravidarum refractory to conventional management.


METHODS
Multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Inpatient gynaecology wards in eight collaborating centres.


METHODS
Twenty-five women with severe hyperemesis of which 24 completed the one- week study period.


METHODS
Twenty-five women were randomised to receive either 40 mg prednisolone daily in two divided oral doses, or equivalent placebo tablets. If, after three days, a woman was still vomiting, medication was changed to the equivalent intravenous alternative (hydrocortisone 100 mg twice daily or normal saline injections)


METHODS
Frequency of vomiting and the dependence on intravenous fluid replacement therapy after one week of treatment.


RESULTS
There was a non-significant trend towards improved nausea and vomiting and reduced dependence on intravenous fluids. However, steroid therapy led to an improved sense of wellbeing (P = 0.021), improved appetite (P = 0.039) and increased weight gain (P = 0.025) compared with placebo. There was no difference in pregnancy outcome between the treatment and placebo groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports a beneficial role for steroids in severe hyperemesis, but did not validate the hypothesis that they lead to rapid and complete remission of symptoms. The study was not large enough to demonstrate a significant improvement in the primary outcome measures.
Nelson-Piercy
C
C
Department of Obstetric Medicine, Queen Charlotte's Hospital, London, UK.
Fayers
P
P
de Swiet
M
M
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006939:Hyperemesis Gravidarum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011239:Prednisolone