Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) has a detrimental effect on physical and mental health. Termination of pregnancy (TOP) is reported in approximately 10%, 1 and qualitative research studies report an association with suicidal ideation. 2 We aimed to determine the consequences of HG on TOP and suicidal ideation, with particular reference to disease severity, functional status, and perception of care. STUDY DESIGN:This national cross-sectional study utilized a 14-item anonymous online survey distributed across the United Kingdom, incorporating demographic details, self-reported disease severity, consequence on functional status, mental health, details of the care experience, and opportunity for open box feedback.

Objective: To develop an international definition for hyperemesis gravidarum to assist in clinical diagnosis and harmonize hyperemesis gravidarum definition for study populations.Study design: A mixed-methods approach was used to identify potential hyperemesis gravidarum definition criteria (i.e. systematic review, semi-structured interviews and closed group sessions with patients and Project Steering Committee input). To reach consensus on the definition we used a webbased Delphi survey with two rounds, followed by a face-to-face consensus development meeting, held in Windsor UK, and a web-based consultation round, in which the provisional hyperemesis gravidarum definition was fed back to the stakeholders. Four stakeholder groups were identified 1) researchers; 2) women with lived experience of hyperemesis gravidarum and their families; 3) obstetric health professionals (obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives); and 4) other health professionals involved in care for women with hyperemesis gravidarum (general practitioners, dieticians, nurses). To reflect the opinions of the international community, stakeholders from countries in all global regions were invited to participate.Results: Twenty-one identified potential criteria entered the Delphi survey. Of the 277 stakeholders invited, 178 completed round one, and 125 (70%) also completed round two. Twenty stakeholders attended the consensus development meeting, representing all stakeholder groups. The consultation round was completed by 96 (54%) stakeholders, of which 92% agreed with the definition as presented. The consensus definition for hyperemesis gravidarum consisted of: start of symptoms in early pregnancy (before 16 weeks gestational age); nausea and vomiting, at least one of which severe; inability to eat and/ or drink normally; strongly limits daily living activities. Signs of dehydration were deemed contributory for the definition for hyperemesis gravidarum. Conclusions: The proposed definition for hyperemesis gravidarum will help clinical studies to achieve more uniformity, and ultimately increasing the value of evidence to inform patient care.

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Background Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that affects 1-1.5% of pregnant women, and is characterised by extreme levels of intractable nausea and vomiting. Aims To understand the association between hyperemesis gravidarum and psychological morbidity. Methods A qualitative literature review of the effects of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum was undertaken. An extensive search of multiple databases was undertaken and the results appraised and synthesised. Findings Four main themes and two subthemes emerged in relation to mental health effects. The main themes were: social isolation; unable to care for self and others or change of role; negative psychological effects (depression, anxiety, guilt and loss of self); and sense of dying, suicidal ideation or termination. The subthemes were loss of earnings or employment; and changes to family plans. Conclusion A shift towards an holistic biopsychosocial approach to care for hyperemesis gravidarum is required. Health professionals can help women by allowing them to express their feelings, and validating them. Where required, referral to the perinatal mental health team or a peer support system may be appropriate.

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Objective To develop a core outcome set for trials on the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Design Identification of outcomes is followed by a modified Delphi survey combined with a consensus development meeting and a consultation round. Setting An international web‐based survey combined with a consensus development meeting. Population Stakeholders including researchers; women with lived experience of HG and their families; obstetric health professionals; and other health professionals. Methods We used systematic review, semi‐structured patient interviews, closed group sessions and Steering Committee input to identify potential core outcomes. We conducted two web‐based survey rounds, followed by a face‐to‐face consensus development meeting and a web‐based consultation round. Main outcome measures A core outcome set for research on HG. Results Fifty‐six potential outcomes were identified. The modified Delphi process was completed by 125 stakeholders, the consensus development meeting by 20 stakeholders and the consultation round by 96 stakeholders. Consensus was reached in ten domains on 24 outcomes: nausea; vomiting; inability to tolerate oral fluids or food; dehydration; weight difference; electrolyte imbalance; intravenous fluid treatment; use of medication for hyperemesis gravidarum; hospital treatment; treatment compliance; patient satisfaction; daily functioning; maternal physical or mental or emotional wellbeing; short‐ and long‐term adverse effects of treatment; maternal death; pregnancy complications; considering or actually terminating a wanted pregnancy; preterm birth; small for gestational age; congenital anomalies; neonatal morbidity and offspring death). Conclusions This core outcome set will help standardise outcome reporting in HG trials. Tweetable abstract A core outcome set for treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum in order to create high‐quality evidence.

ObjectiveThere are many uncertainties surrounding the aetiology, treatment and sequelae of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Prioritising research questions could reduce research waste, helping researchers and funders direct attention to those questions which most urgently need addressing. The HG priority setting partnership (PSP) was established to identify and rank the top 25 priority research questions important to both patients and clinicians.MethodsFollowing the James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology, an HG PSP steering group was established. Stakeholders representing patients, carers and multidisciplinary professionals completed an online survey to gather uncertainties. Eligible uncertainties related to HG. Uncertainties on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and those on complementary treatments were not eligible. Questions were verified against the evidence. Two rounds of prioritisation included an online ranking survey and a 1-hour consensus workshop.Results1009 participants (938 patients/carers, 118 professionals with overlap between categories) submitted 2899 questions. Questions originated from participants in 26 different countries, and people from 32 countries took part in the first prioritisation stage. 66 unique questions emerged, which were evidence checked according to the agreed protocol. 65 true uncertainties were narrowed via an online ranking survey to 26 unranked uncertainties. The consensus workshop was attended by 19 international patients and clinicians who reached consensus on the top 10 questions for international researchers to address. More patients than professionals took part in the surveys but were equally distributed during the consensus workshop. Participants from low-income and middle-income countries noted that the priorities may be different in their settings.ConclusionsBy following the JLA method, a prioritised list of uncertainties relevant to both HG patients and their clinicians has been identified which can inform the international HG research agenda, funders and policy-makers. While it is possible to conduct an international PSP, results from developed countries may not be as relevant in low-income and middle-income countries.

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