Background
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating condition in pregnancy characterised by excessive nausea and vomiting. HG results in a significant reduction in dietary intakes [1] and is further complicated by adverse fetal outcomes [2]. The MUST tool is used extensively to assess adult patients for nutritional risk [3]. A pregnancy-adapted version of the tool is available [3], but its application and clinical usefulness in a HG population remains unexplored.
A specialised HG clinic was recently established at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin [4]. All HG patients are offered individual dietitian consultations; however, this is resource intense. The MUST tool offers the potential to stratify nutritional risk, resulting in targeted interventions to those who have the greatest need for dietetic intervention.
Aim
To assess the effectiveness of the MUST tool in stratifying HG patients by their risk of nutritional deficiency.
Hypothesis
We hypothesise that the MUST tool category of nutritional risk will be associated with nutritional deficiency among women with HG.
Objectives
To calculate MUST scores using a database of participants who attended the NMH between 2021 – 2023.
To compare dietary intakes (from database) among participants according to MUST score (low, medium, or high risk).
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the MUST tool in assessing nutritional risk (MUST nutritional risk vs % energy and protein achieved in diet).
To discuss the practicality of applying the MUST tool to routine care with key stakeholders in nutritional management of HG (meeting with dietitians and midwives at the three large Dublin maternity hospitals).
Context
Assessing the MUST tool for its validity in assessing nutritional risk will contribute to improved and targeted care for those who require it most, and may help to minimise adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes.