Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  1998 Nov;41(11):2790-2794.

The Association between Unexplained Second-Trimester Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Elevations and Pregnancy Outcome

• Hwang JW
• Jeong SU
• Seo JW
• Yang YS
• Park JS

Abstract

We conducted this cohort analytic study to determine whether women with unexplained elevations of maternal serum hCG at 15-18 weeks' gestation are at increased risk for pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. The inclusion criteria were a singleton gestation, a confirmed gestational age, and an hCG level greater than 2.0 multiples of the median (MoM). The exclusion criteria were fetal anomalies, an abnormal karyotype, molar pregnancy, and an MSAFP level greater than 2.5 multiples of the median (MoM). A group of randomly selected women with hCG levels under 2.0 MoM served as controls. Patients with elevated levels of hCG had a significantly higher risk for PIH (17.9% versus 4.5%; P <.05) and preterm delivery (17.9% versus 3.5%; P<, 05) than control. But no significant differences were observed in the incidence of intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight and in the newborn weight. We suggested that pregnancies with unexplained elevated hCG levels should be regarded as high-risk pregnancies. And these patients require careful monitoring with adequate obstetric management.

Keyword

Unexplained elevation; Human chorionic gonadotropin; Pregnancy outcome

MeSH Terms

Abnormal Karyotype
Chorionic Gonadotropin*
Cohort Studies
Female
Gestational Age
Humans*
Hydatidiform Mole
Incidence
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy Outcome*
Pregnancy*
Pregnancy, High-Risk
Chorionic Gonadotropin