Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the second most common reason for hospitalisation during pregnancy. Since 2002, a new HG treatment protocol consisting of metoclopramide plus diphenhydramine was put in place at CHU Sainte-Justine.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new HG protocol, metoclopramide and diphenhydramine combination, regarding length of hospitalisations for HG, rate of rehospitalisation for HG, evolution of NVP symptoms, and rate of adverse events. A second objective was to identify predictors of rehospitalisation for HG in the group of women treated with the new HG protocol. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2002 to 2006 on the population of pregnant women diagnosed with HG and treated at CHU Sainte-Justine with the new protocol consisting of intravenous metoclopramide 1.2-1.8 mg/h plus diphenhydramine 50mg every six hours. These women were compared to a historical control group consisting of women diagnosed with HG, and treated in the same institution with intravenous droperidol 0.5-1mg/h plus diphenhydramine 25-50mg every six hours between 1998 and 2001.

Funding source
None.