Accuracy of serum human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations and ultrasonic fetal measurements in determining gestational age

Abstract

Prior to 60 days' gestation, the maternal serum concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can predict the estimated date of confinement, but later in pregnancy, hCG concentrations vary widely. The current study was performed to compare the accuracy of hCG measurements with other determinants of gestational age. Fifteen patients in whom gestational age was documented were monitored prospectively throughout pregnancy. One to two determinations of hCG (β subunit) were obtained during the first 60 days. Then, ultrasonographic measurements of crown-rump length were obtained between 8 and 16 weeks' gestation and two measurements of biparietal diameter were performed between 18 and 32 weeks. These results were compared to actual dates of gestation. The mean (±SD) difference between gestational age predicted by single measurements of hCG and actual gestational age was 3.2 ± 2.5 days (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001), which compared favorably with estimates by crown-rump measurements (6.7 ± 6.5 days) and measurements of biparietal diameter (6.3 ± 5.3 days). These results demonstrate that hCG measurements during the first 60 days accurately predict gestational age and complement ultrasonic determinations of gestational age used later in pregnancy.