HER Foundation in National Geographic

National Geographic mentioned the HER Foundation and its board members, Kimber MacGibbon, RN, Dr. Marlena Fejzo, and Dr. Aimee Brecht-Doscher, in their article, “We finally know the cause of severe…

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Marlena Fejzo, PhD, working in the lab

The cause of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) has been found, and it’s not hCG!

A new study published in Nature reveals abnormally high levels of the hormone GDF15, and increased sensitivity to it, are the major factors contributing to HG. The most severe form…

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HG Research Surveys

Be a part of finding answers about Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Currently, the HER Foundation has three active research surveys. Please participate!

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HER’s GDF15 research discussed in New Scientist

Using genetics, the HER Foundation, led by Marlena Fejzo, PhD., found the cause of HG is related to the nausea and vomiting hormone GDF15. Our newest study is pending publication and was featured in New Scientist.

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Gen

Highlights of SMFM 2023 Medical Conference

Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the biology of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and may lead to future research evaluating new treatment avenues. Of note, drugs targeting the GDF15 pathway have shown great promise in mitigating weight loss, loss of appetite, and vomiting in animal models and are currently in clinical trials in cancer cachexia, a disease with similar symptoms to HG.

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Complications Secondary to Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is not self-limiting, and its impact can last a lifetime for mothers and their children. Until there is recognition of this fact and comprehensive, universal, effective treatment for all HG patients, every level of society will continue to face the costs of HG.

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Dr. Fejzo was invited to speak at the Keystone Conference

Dr. Marlena Fejzo, HER Research Adviser and Board of Directors, was invited to speak at February’s Keystone Conference on Maternal-Fetal Crosstalk in Santa Fe, NM. Dr. Fejzo presented “Evidence the placenta and appetite hormone GDF15 causes nausea and vomiting of pregnancy” and met with experts on maternal/fetal health from around the world. 

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HER Research Surveys

Be a part of finding answers about Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Currently, the HER Foundation has three active research surveys. Please participate!

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HER Genetic Research Presented at ASHG

What is the cause of hyperemesis gravidarum? Dr. Fejzo presented our team’s results from the largest ever genetic study of HG (7,197 HG cases and 178,953 controls) at the American Society of Human Genetics annual conference in Los Angeles on October 26, 2022.

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BJOG publishes HER/USC study on the genetics of HG

The HER Foundation continues the breakthroughs with publication of “Whole-exome sequencing uncovers new variants in GDF15 associated with hyperemesis gravidarum” in BJOG.

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