Objective Analyze the trends and utilization patterns of medicine for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in nine Chinese cities over the past 6 years to provide a reference for clinical practice. Method The prescription data of drugs for patients diagnosed with HG from 2019–2024 were obtained from the Hospital Prescription Analysis Cooperation Project database of the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. A cross-sectional analysis was then performed of demographic characteristics, medication types, defined daily doses (DDDs), defined daily costs (DDC), combination therapy and comorbidities for HG. Results A total of 9097 patients diagnosed with HG, involving 12,505 prescriptions, with a mean age of 29.97 ± 4.35 years. The number of patients in new first-tier cities (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shenyang, Zhengzhou) exhibited a significant increase. The proportion of advanced maternal age and ≥16 weeks patients has significantly increased. Vitamin B6, metoclopramide, omeprazole, hydrated magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum ranked highest in terms of DDDs. 87% of patients required hospitalization, where combination therapy was commonly observed, predominantly antiemetics combined with antacids/acid reducers. Total prescription costs and per capita costs decreased by 42.71% and 55.63% respectively. The gradual decline in the DDC of PPIs and 5-HT3 antagonists may be associated with the implementation of national centralized drug procurement in China. The most common comorbidities for HG in this study included multiple pregnancies, thyroid disease and chronic disease. Conclusion From 2019 to 2024, the number of patients with HG increased, while medication costs decreased. This trend is temporally consistent with the progressive implementation of China’s centralized drug-procurement program, which may have contributed to alleviating the economic burden on patients. The average age of patients showed no significant change, while the proportion of advanced maternal age cases exhibited an increasing trend, which may be associated with postponed childbearing intentions. Vitamin B6, omeprazole, and metoclopramide were the most frequently used medications, which consistent with the medication structure recommended by national guidelines. Notably, the usage of ondansetron and metoclopramide has risen significantly, while the frequency of antihistamine use remains lower than that of international standards. Furthermore, multiple pregnancies thyroid dysfunction and chronic disease were the most common comorbidities for HG prescription.
Pan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.