HER Research

• Current Research
  • 2002-2005 HG Survey
  • 2004-2005 HG Survey
  • 2007-2012 HG Survey

Current HG Poll In any pregnancy, was your insurer (insurance company, government, etc.) unwilling at any point to pay for needed HG-related medical treatment including home care, IV nutrition (TPN), and Zofran?   No Yes, due to cost Yes, due to non-cost issues Yes, unsure of reason Unsure/Don't remember View Results »

Current Research Opportunities

HER Foundation and University of Southern California Collaboration

Current 2007-2012 Study: Genetics of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)

HG Researchers need your help! This study is designed to identify individuals affected with HG, to study epidemiologic factors via an online survey, to collect DNA samples from saliva through the mail at no cost or travel for you, and to search for genes and risk factors that may be potentially associated with this condition. To be eligible, you must have suffered from HG and had treatment for your HG that includes i.v. hydration, TPN or other form of non-oral feeding (ie nasogastric feeding), OR both, and are able to recruit a friend with at least 2 pregnancies who has NOT suffered from HG to serve as a control. If you live in the United States and are interested, please contact Marlena Schoenberg Fejzo, PhD at or 310-210-0802. Download the USC Consent Form (120 Kb PDF) for more details about the study.

Once you have a study ID number, you can begin your survey at this link: http://www.helpher.org/HER-Research/2007-Genetics/

Identification of genes and risk factors that contribute to HG will lead to a better understanding of the causes of severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and should be a first step toward the development of more effective treatments or a cure for this devastating disease. To learn more about why Marlena is devoted to finding the cause of HG and information about participating in the study watch Marlena's youtube.com video here.

HER Foundation Surveys and Polls

• 2004-2005 HG Survey: Complications & genetic issues related to HG, a comparison of pregnancies with and without HG
• 2002-2005 HG Survey: Treatment of HG & Termination
   
• "Impact on Daily Life" Poll
• "Postpartum Emotional Health" Poll
• "Emotional Trauma after HG" Poll
• "Duration of HG" Poll
• "Unwillingness of Insurers to Pay for HG Treatment" Poll

Although hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) affects thousands of women annually, few research studies are published annually in comparison to other disorders. We collaborate with experts on research related to HG, as well as conduct semi-annual, online surveys and polls to further our understanding of HG and its treatment. Our Internet research allows us to capture data from around the globe on much larger numbers of participants. Most studies done on HG have less than 200 participants, are not controlled or randomized, and/or may not have enough evidence to support conclusions. Our studies often have over 1000 participants with HG, and we are able work with international experts on HG.

In short, too often HG studies do not meet current research standards. Thus, we aim to conduct and fund research that accurately defines the incidence, outcomes and proactive management of HG to help women get the care they and their unborn child need to survive. We accept donations to sponsor research grants.

Other HG Research Opportunities

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California invites you to participate in a study looking at why some women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and others do not. This study is sponsored by the Perinatology Research Branch of the National Institutes of Health. This study involves 3 visits that will take place in the morning. You must reside in or be able to travel to the LA area for this study. For more information, contact:

Lorena Gonzalez
323-226-3536

www.usc.edu

Motherisk

Motherisk conducts studies to investigate the safety and efficacy of medications during pregnancy. If you are currently pregnant and would like to participate in their studies, see their website or call their toll free NVP Helpline at 1-800-436-8477 to enroll in a study. Participation usually involves brief phone interviews, that are strictly confidential. Review Motherisk's Current Studies

Governmental Studies (US)

Pregnancy Registry (FDA/Office of Women's Health) If you are pregnant and currently taking medicine—or have been exposed to a medicine during your pregnancy—you may be able to participate and help in the collection of needed information. This web site provides a list of pregnancy registries that are seeking participants.

ClinicalTrials.gov is a service of the National Institutes of Health Developed by the National Library of Medicine. You can search for research studies in which to participate as well as investigate the findings of medical research.

Updated on: Mar. 11, 2008