How Harmonia Healthcare is revolutionizing hyperemesis gravidarum care

Marlena S. Fejzo, PhD, chief scientific officer of Harmonia Healthcare, recently discussed how Harmonia Healthcare can help patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Harmonia Healthcare was created to treat women affected by conditions with unmet need such as HG. The company has opened clinics to treat patients with the condition, who are often treated and released in the emergency room and must frequently return.

Evidence-based and personal care will be employed to help patients with HG. The first clinic opened in 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama, and the care it has provided has proven to be an unmet need, leading to expanded care.

Patients will receive testing to determine their personalized needs. Treatment options include intravenous fluid, supplying nutrients the patient may be deficient in, and providing medications and more frequent follow-up. According to Fejzo, a lack of follow-up causes patients to suffer at home and return to the emergency room.

Telehealth appointments will also be available for patients who are too sick for in-person visits. This, alongside frequent follow-ups, will allow patients to receive the care they need before reaching a point of crisis.

Fejzo believes the care provided by Harmonia Healthcare will be a game-changer, leading to clinics and centers opening across the United States and revolutionizing HG treatment. These impacts have been seen in the Alabama clinic, according to Fejzo.

Progress has already been made in treating HG, with GDF15 identified as the gene responsible for the condition. Harmonia Healthcare is researching prevention and treatment methods to support patients with HG, and to test new technologies and medications in a clinic setting.

Further information is included in a Q&A with Ladi Ilkhani, MD, which can be read below.

Contemporary OB/GYN:

What women-specific diseases are often underrepresented in health care?

Ilkhani:

Unfortunately, women's health has historically been underrepresented in health care. A lot of it has to do with lack of research and clinical trials for women. I believe there are various fields overlooked and under researched reproductive health, mental health, autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular health. Some specific diseases I could think of would be HG, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fibromyalgia, obesity, endometriosis just to name a few.

Contemporary OB/GYN:

Why was Harmonia created and how does the program function?

Ilkhani:

To provide care and education in the world of women’s health starting with HG with treatment protocols that have been clinically researched and proven to benefit patients as an adjunct to their prenatal care under the supervision of their ob-gyn.

Contemporary OB/GYN:

Please provide a brief summary of how hyperemesis gravidarum impacts patients and how they can receive aid from Harmonia.

Ilkhani:

HG is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies that can impact a patient’s overall well-being. Harmonia can aid in care by recommending certain medications for nausea, recommended dietary adjustments, and navigate a patient's care by providing additional support to them during their pregnancy. Intravenous fluids with vitamin supplementation have shown great promise. By shedding light about HG, we can encourage further research, improved medical interventions, and enhanced care for individuals affected by HG.

Contemporary OB/GYN:

Is there anything you would like to add? 

Ilkhani:

Women may face varied health concerns throughout their lives especially in reproductive health. Raising awareness about HG is vital for many reasons. It can help pregnant individuals and healthcare providers recognize the severity of the disease, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention. Increased awareness also contributes to reducing the stigma surrounding HG and promotes understanding and support for those experiencing it.