The comparison of blood biotin levels in women with hyperemesis gravidarum and normal pregnant women

Objectives: The aims of this study are to assess serum biotin levels in patients with hyperemezis gravidarum and in the control group; and thus to investigate the role of serum biotin deficiency in the pathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Materials and Method: A total of 170 pregnant women between the ages of 18-35 years old who were examined in the Policlinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical Faculty of Karadeniz Technical University between 01 March 2016 and 01 February 2017 were included for this prospective study. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) cases were grouped according to Modified PUQE (Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea) Index. Thirty pregnant women with mild HG disease, 30 pregnant women with moderate HG disease, 30 pregnant women with severe HG disease, and 80 pregnant women without any risk factors were included for this study. In both groups, serum biotin levels were measured spectrophotometrically using commercial ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) kits in the direction of the manufacturer's instructions. All data were coded in the SPSS 13.0 package program. For statistical analysis, One-way Variance Analysis (Anova) Test and Pearson Correlation Analysis Test were used. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics (age, gestational week, gravida, parity, BMI) between the study groups and the control group. Serum biotin levels in all hyperemesis gravidarum groups were statistically significantly lower than control group (P = 0.014 for mild HG versus control, P <0.001 for moderate HG versus control, P <0.001 for severe HG versus control). Negative correlation between hyperemesis gravidarum severity and serum biotin levels was found. Conclusion: In conclusion, this thesis is the first study that show that biotin deficiency may have a role in the etiopathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Further studies are needed to determine the value of biotin at the prediction, prevention and treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.