Top 26 ranked priorities for hyperemesis gravidarum research
| Ranking | Question |
| 1 | Can we find a cure? What novel or new treatments are being developed/tested/used elsewhere which could have a curative effect and to address all the symptoms of HG rather than just the vomiting? |
| 2 | How can we most effectively manage HG? What clinical support measure is most important to people who have had hyperemesis and what did they find most beneficial? For example, medical management, pharmaceutical review, nutrition support, rehydration, psychological support |
| 3 | What causes hyperemesis gravidarum? |
| 4 | Is HG preventable? What is the effect of preventative treatment or early intervention on the severity and duration of HG in a subsequent pregnancy? |
| 5 | What are the immediate and long-term effects of HG (including malnutrition and dehydration, stress) on the developing fetus (offspring)? |
| 6 | What are the immediate and long-term effects of the various medications/treatments on the developing fetus (offspring) throughout the various stages of pregnancy and in varying doses or combinations of treatments? |
| 7 | What are relative efficacies of the current medications and treatment options available? What is the optimal dose, route, timing and combination of the medications and what are the related side effects? |
| 8 | What are the immediate and long term, physical, mental and social consequences and complications of HG (including malnutrition and dehydration) on the pregnant person’s body? (ie, metabolic impact, venous thromboembolism, depression, effects of dehydration) |
| 9 | What clinical measurements and markers are most useful in assessing, diagnosing, managing and monitoring hyperemesis? |
| 10 | What are the nutritional requirements of the first, second and third trimesters and how can people with HG achieve these goals? that is, oral supplements, fortifying food, dietary measures |
| 11 | How can symptoms of HG, other than vomiting, be effectively treated? For example, the nausea, excessive saliva, extreme sense of smell and fatigue. |
| 12 | Why are some cases of HG unresponsive to all antiemetics and how can we treat such cases? |
| 13 | What is the risk that HG will reoccur in a subsequent pregnancy? Does HG get progressively worse with subsequent pregnancies and what are the risk factors for reoccurrence? |
| 14 | Do clinical treatment guidelines for HG improve management and outcomes? And if so, how can guidelines be developed and implemented nationally (where none exist) and internationally for hospital and community settings? What should be included in guidelines? |
| 15 | How can people with a history of, or significant risk factors for HG be supported to plan for a pregnancy and does such planning improve outcomes? What should a pre-pregnancy plan contain? |
| 16 | How does HG impact on a person’s (and their family’s) quality of life? How does quality and efficacy of treatment impact that effect? |
| 17 | What is the currently level of knowledge about HG and its treatments among healthcare professionals (particularly GPs)? How can effective education for healthcare professionals be designed and delivered to improve the general knowledge and awareness of HG among healthcare professionals? |
| 18 | What is the most effective intravenous rehydration regimen; which solution in what quantity over what time period and how frequently? Does regular rehydration improve symptoms/outcomes/quality of life? |
| 19 | What is the effect of HG on mental health during (and after) pregnancy? What is the efficacy of psychotherapy on symptom management/pregnancy outcomes/quality of life? How can people access psychosupportive services during pregnancy? |
| 20 | What are the barriers to taking/prescribing medication for HG? How can the risk and benefits of HG and its treatments be better communicated to support informed decision making and consent to treatment? |
| 21 | What are the barriers to accessing treatments/services and how can we reduce them to improve access? |
| 22 | What healthcare services exist and how can they collaborate and be organised to better identify, treat and support people with HG? For example, do services such as outpatient clinics or intravenous at home, improve outcomes and reduce the physical/mental burden of the condition? |
| 23 | How can the condition be effectively managed in the community to prevent lengthy hospital admissions? |
| 24 | What self-management and coping strategies and treatments do people with HG find most helpful? |
| 25 | What employment rights do people with HG have and what financial support is available to them? |
| 26 | Do specific specialist healthcare professional roles for conditions such as HG improve outcomes? How can such roles be developed for midwives/nurses/doctors? |
HG, hyperemesis gravidarum.