Dr. Chapa’s Clinical Pearls. Can Metformin Prevent HG?
Jun 29, 2025
The podcast dives into the potential of metformin as a preventive treatment for severe nausea during pregnancy. It highlights a retrospective study showing its ability to reduce hyperemesis gravidarum rates. Safety protocols and the impact of SSRIs on nausea relief are examined, revealing potential risks they pose. There's a focus on metformin dosage, emphasizing careful management due to side effects. Exciting new research sets the stage for future discussions on this important topic!
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Metformin's Role in GDF-15
- Metformin increases GDF-15 levels, which may blunt the sharp rise in early pregnancy linked to nausea.
- Higher pre-pregnancy GDF-15 seems to protect against hyperemesis gravidarum by preventing system shock.
Consider Metformin Off-label Use
- Consider off-label metformin use in high-risk women with personal or family history of hyperemesis gravidarum after counseling about data limitations.
- Use shared decision-making due to current lack of prospective trial confirmation.
GDF-15's Link to Hyperemesis
- Low pre-pregnancy GDF-15 levels predispose women to severe nausea and hyperemesis due to a sudden rise in early pregnancy.
- Metformin elevates GDF-15, potentially offering biochemical protection against this shock.