A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Prednisolone and Promethazine in the Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Abstract

Background: Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is one of the most frequent and difficult to treat obstetric problems. Different drugs and techniques have been suggested for its treatment with variable success rates. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of prednisolone with promethazine for treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Methods: Fifty six pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum were randomly divided into two groups to receive either prednisolone or promethazine orally. Severity of nausea and vomiting, severity of malaise, body weight and serum electrolytes were measured and compared before and after treatment. Results: The severity of nausea and vomiting decreased significantly in both groups, but the decrease was significantly higher in the prednisolone group. Conclusion: The result of this study shows that oral prednisolone is a better choice for the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Keywords: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Pregnancy, Obstetric Complication, Nausea and Vomiting