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FRIMED-Klinisk medisin og folkehelse

Infections, prepregnant diet and other environmental factors as possible causes of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Awarded: NOK 1.8 mill.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is defined as severe, intractable nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. The HG-patient suffers from dehydration, weight loss, ketonuri and a nutritional deficiency. HG affects 0,5-2,0% of pregnant women, and the etiology is u nknown. Until recently HG was believed to have a psychological cause, but is now considered to have a biological explanation. As yet, few studies on risk factors of HG have been published. There is evidence that HG is associated with young age, immigratio n from non-western countries, intake of saturated fat before pregnancy and female gender of the fetus. We want to estimate the association between HG and pre-pregnant fat intake in a subcohort of 8000 women who are participating in The Norwegian Mother an d Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Another part of this project is a population based cross-sectional study of registry data of The Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MFR) and Statistics Norway. We will focus on the prevalence of HG according to time trends, liv ing area, ethnic group, parity and age. In addition we want to estimate familial correlations in the registry. This study may provide knowledge that will elucidate the etiology of HG. This project can also contribute to prevent the disease or lead to an e arly, targeted treatment.

Funding scheme:

FRIMED-Klinisk medisin og folkehelse