Helicobacter pyloriInfection Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Several studies have shown a possible involvement ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in individuals with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), but the relationship remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to validate and strengthen the association between HG andH. pyloriinfection.Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to March 20, 2014, were searched to select studies on the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection between pregnant women with HG and the normal pregnant control subjects.Results. Of the HG cases, 1289 (69.6%) wereH. pylori-positive; however, 1045 (46.2%) wereH. pylori-positive in control group. Compared to the non-HG normal pregnant controls, infection rate ofH. pyloriwas significantly higher in pregnant women with HG (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.32–4.81,P<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated thatH. pyloriinfection was a risk factor of HG in Asia, Africa, and Oceania, especially in Africa (OR = 12.38, 95% CI: 7.12–21.54,P<0.001).Conclusions.H. pylorishould be considered one of the risk factors of HG, especially in the developing countries.H. pylorieradication could be considered to relieve the symptoms of HG in some intractable cases.