Reproduction Abstracts

GDF15 and IGFBP7 are associated with HG with higher circulating levels of the placentally expressed appetite proteins in patients hospitalized with HG compared to unaffected pregnant women at 12 weeks’ gestation. Black women are more likely to be hospitalized with HG, but little is known about the levels of these proteins in this disproportionately affected population. Herein we aimed to compare levels of GDF15 and IGFBP7 in Black compared to White people affected by HG. Circulating levels of GDF15 and IGFBP7 were measured by ELISA assays. Mean levels were compared in Black and White HG patients. Among 65 participants, 22 were Black patients with an average gestational age at first clinic visit of 9.6 weeks, and 43 were White patients with an average gestational age of 10.0 weeks. Average HELP and PUQE scores were higher for Black patients at first and second visits, with more weight loss from pre-pregnancy weight at first visit for Black patients. On average, Black patients lost weight from first to second visit, while White patients gained weight. Mean circulating level of GDF15 at first visit was 16.1 ng/ml in Black patients and 13.2 ng/ml in White patients. Mean circulating level of IGFBP7 at first visit was 92.4 ng/ml in Black patients and 91.7 ng/ml in White patients. Disparities in HG may be related to biological differences in levels of placenta and appetite protein GDF15. Further studies with larger sample sizes should be performed to determine reproducibility of the results.

Keywords: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, GDF15, IGFBP7, Disparities