Efficacy of acupoint herbal patching combined with intravenous rehydration for hyperemesis gravidarum: A retrospective cohort study.

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the efficacy of acupoint herbal patching combined with intravenous rehydration for hyperemesis gravidarum with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency. Data from 64 hospitalized pregnant women (December 2022-December 2024) were analyzed. Patients were divided into a control group (intravenous rehydration alone, n=32) and a treatment group (intravenous rehydration plus acupoint herbal patching, n=32). Outcomes included Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom scores, Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis scores, Quality of Life scores, ketonuria resolution, and hospital stay. Both groups showed significant improvement. However, the treatment group demonstrated superior reductions in Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom scores, Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis scores, and Quality of Life scores compared to controls (P<0.05). Additionally, the treatment group experienced faster urinary ketone negativity, shorter hospitalization, and higher total efficacy (P<0.05). No severe adverse events occurred. Acupoint herbal patching combined with intravenous rehydration significantly alleviates symptoms, shortens recovery, and improves quality of life in hyperemesis gravidarum patients with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency, suggesting its value as a safe adjunctive therapy.