Third-trimester maternal serum β-HCG level and umbilical blood flow in fetal growth retardation

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal serum β-HCG level and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio in fetal growth retardation. Methods: Maternal serum β-HCG was measured in 57 pregnant women in the third trimester, 31 with a fetal growth retardation and 26 with a normal growth. The systolic/diastolic ratio was measured in a midsection of the umbilical cord the same day of the biochemical determination. Results: The serum β-HCG level was statistically significant higher in pregnant women with a fetal growth retardation associated with a high systolic/diastolic ratio ( n = 9) ( P < 0.001). There were no differences between the fetuses with a normal growth ( n = 26) and those with an intrauterine growth retardation and a normal systolic/diastolic ratio ( n = 22). There was a significant positive correlation between maternal serum β-HCG level and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Fetal growth retardation due to Doppler-defined vascular placental insufficiency is associated with a higher maternal serum β-HCG level.