Hyperemesis gravidarum and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents: a follow-up of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986

Objective To investigate the long-term consequences of prenatal exposure to maternal hyperemesis gravidarum upon offspring cardiometabolic risk factors. Design This study is part of the prospective follow-up of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Setting Between 1 July 1985 and 30 June 1986 all pregnant women in two provinces of Finland were recruited at first antenatal visit (99% of eligible participated). Population A total of 8953 women with liveborn singleton offspring who consented to having their children followed-up were included. Methods Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) was defined as hospitalisation during pregnancy for HG based on the International Classification of Disease (ICD) code. Women who were not hospitalised for HG during pregnancy were used as a reference group. Data on pregnancy and birth outcomes were obtained via medical records and questionnaires; 6462 adolescents, aged 16 years, underwent anthropometric measurements (HG n = 42, reference n = 6420) and 5648 adolescents had a fasting blood sample taken (HG n = 36, reference n = 5612). Main outcome measures Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid levels in offspring. Results Multivariate regression analyses showed no differences in offspring BMI (kg/m(2); adjusted percentage difference HG versus reference, 2.2; 95% CI -0.1, 4.6), systolic blood pressure (adjusted difference 2.1 mmHg; 95% CI -1.5, 5.6), and fasting blood glucose (mmol/l; adjusted percentage difference, 2.3; 95% CI -0.6, 5.4), between adolescents born to mothers with and without HG. Conclusions We found no evidence that prenatal exposure to HG has negative consequences for cardiometabolic health of offspring at the age of 16 years.