Correlations between interscapular deep temperature and plasma free fatty acid levels in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether deep temperature directly reflects underlying pathology in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum. SUBJECTS. We studied 24 women at first trimester hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum who had lost a mean of 4.3 kg since becoming pregnant and 20 pregnant controls who did not experience hyperemesis gravidarum and were matched for weeks of gestation and pre-conception weight and height.

METHODS

Serum free T(3), T(4), and plasma free fatty acid levels were determined, and deep temperatures of the interscapular tissues were measured. Measurements were compared at admission and after symptoms improved.

RESULTS

Free fatty acid, free T(3), and T(4) levels at admission were appreciably higher in the hyperemesis gravidarum group than in the control group (p<0.05). After symptoms improved, free fatty acid levels in patients had decreased by 29% and free T(4) levels by 28% (p<0.05). A significant relationship was observed between reductions in free fatty acid level accompanying improvement in patient status and decreases in both free T(3) and free T(4) levels (p<0.05). Interscapular deep temperatures at admission (36.4 +/- 0.5 C degrees ) significantly decreased to 35.8 +/- 0.9 C degrees after symptoms improved (p<0.05). Reductions in interscapular temperature as a result of improvements in patient status were significantly correlated with reductions in free fatty acid level (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Deep temperatures of the interscapular region in hyperemesis gravidarum change in association with lipolysis as a result of transient hyperthyroidism. This phenomenon can be used as an indicator for evaluating improvements in the pathologic features of hyperemesis gravidarum.