Successful completion of the first trimester despite the inappropriate rate of rise of the serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels

Abstract

Purpose: To report an exception to the rule that once slow rising serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are observed, a live fetus after 12 weeks is not possible even if fetal viability was detected earlier. Materials and Methods: The fetus of a woman with a slow rising serum beta-hCG levels which even plateaued was evaluated by serial pelvic sonography. Results: The fetal pole grew appropriately but at one point the sac size was a week behind. Nevertheless the woman completed the first trimester with a viable fetus and a normal fetal heart rate. Conclusions: Though rare, a live fetus at the end of the first trimester is possible if even if there is a slow rise of sera hCG levels where there is at least one instance when the hCG levels do not double in two days.