hCG Measurements Research Articles

Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy after IVF: A Case Report of Successful Conservative Management with Transvaginal Amniotic Sac Aspiration and Intra saccular Methotrexate Injection

Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy (CEP) is a very rare condition accounting for less than 1 % of all Ectopic Pregnancies. Early diagnosis and management of the case are very essential in order to avoid serious and life-threatening complications, which are difficult to successfully manage in resource-poor settings. Here we are presenting a case report of a 38 yr. old Ethiopian mother who developed CEP following her 1st IVF therapy for secondary infertility secondary to Asherman’s syndrome. She was successfully managed conservatively, with aspiration and subsequent installation of methotrexate into the gestational sac. Early diagnosing with transvaginal ultrasound and serial B HCG measurement coupled with immediate therapeutic measures are the key issues in preventing the severe life-threatening complications of CEP and conserve the subsequent fertility potential of such patients.

Impact of mode of conception on early pregnancy human chorionic gonadotropin rise and birth weight

ObjectiveTo assess whether the mode of conception and embryo biopsy impact first-trimester human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) dynamics and subsequent risk of small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingUniversity fertility center.Patient(s)Six hundred-two pregnant patients with singleton live births.Intervention(s)Serial serum hCG measurements were obtained between 10 and 28 days postconception to determine the within-woman rate of change in hCG (slope) by mode of conception (unassisted pregnancy, fresh embryo transfer (ET), frozen ET, and frozen ET following preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).Main Outcome Measure(s)Primary outcomes included birth weight, SGA, and LGA.Result(s)Mode of conception is not independently associated with birth weight, SGA, or LGA. Mediation analysis revealed an expected one-day increase in log-transformed hCG varied by mode of conception: unassisted (0.41), fresh ET (0.39), frozen ET (0.42), PGT-A (0.44). Human chorionic gonadotropin rise has a positive effect on birth weight (55 g per SD increase in hCG slope) and is associated with SGA (odds ratio, 0.65), but not with LGA (odds ratio, 1.18).Conclusion(s)Human chorionic gonadotropin rise is an important mediator of the mode of conception/birth weight relationship. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy has the highest rate of hCG rise, followed by frozen ET, unassisted, and fresh ET. Faster rise is associated with higher birth weight and lower risk of SGA but does not impact LGA risk. Importantly, PGT-A does not increase the risk of extreme birth weight relative to other modes of conception evaluated.

A Customized Microfluidic Paper-Based Platform for Colorimetric Immunosensing: Demonstrated via hCG Assay for Pregnancy Test

Over the past decades, paper-based lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) have been extensively developed for rapid, facile, and low-cost detection of a wide array of target analytes in a point-of-care manner. Conventional home pregnancy tests are the most significant example of LFAs, which detect elevated concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in body fluids to identify early pregnancy. In this work, we have upgraded these platforms to a higher version by developing a customized microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD), as the new generation of paper-based point-of-care platforms, for colorimetric immunosensing. This will offer a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative platform for paper-based immunosensing, eliminating the need for nitrocellulose (NC) membrane as the substrate material. The performance of the developed platform is demonstrated by detection of hCG (as a model case) in urine samples and subsequently indicating positive or negative pregnancy. A dual-functional silane-based composite was used to treat filter paper in order to enhance the colorimetric signal intensity in the detection zones of μPADs. In addition, microfluidic pathways were designed in a manner to provide the desired regulated fluid flow, generating sufficient incubation time (delays) at the designated detection zones, and consequently enhancing the obtained signal intensity. The presented approaches allow to overcome the existing limitations of μPADs in immunosensing and will broaden their applicability to a wider range of assays. Although, the application of the developed hCG μPAD assay is mainly in qualitative (i.e., positive or negative) detection of pregnancy, the semi-quantitative measurement of hCG was also investigated, indicating the viability of this assay for sensitive detection of the target hCG analyte within the related physiological range (i.e., 10–500 ng/mL) with a LOD value down to 10 ng/mL.

Early detection of pregnancy after IVF and embryo transfer with hyperglycosylated HCG versus Elecsys HCG+β assay

Research questionIs measurement of hyperglycosylated HCG (hHCG) superior to beta-HCG (HCG+β) for early pregnancy detection after IVF and embryo transfer? DesignBlood samples were collected on day 4 (+1), 7 (+1) and 11 (+2) after embryo transfer from women aged 18–45 years undergoing first or second fresh or frozen IVF embryo transfer cycles. Biochemical pregnancy was assessed on-site by HCG determination on day 11; clinical pregnancy was assessed by ultrasound on day 21 (+4/–3). Serum hHCG (immunochemiluminometric assay) and HCG+β (Elecsys® HCG+β assay) concentrations were measured. Performance of hHCG and HCG+β for predicting pregnancy was evaluated and cut-offs selected. ResultsIn total, 155 women were enrolled and underwent IVF and embryo transfer. Area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI) on day 4 was not significantly different for hHCG (AUC 0.88; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94) and HCG+β (AUC 0.90; 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95), as was predictive performance on day 7 and 11, with higher AUC estimates compared with day 4. Applying cut-offs derived according to Youden's index on day 4 (hHCG, 100 pg/ml; HCG+β, 1.30 mIU/ml), both biomarkers demonstrated high negative predictive values for ruling out pregnancy (hHCG, 83.8%; HCG+β, 82.8%) and high positive predictive values for ruling in pregnancy (hHCG, 89.0%; HCG+β, 84.9%) on day 21. Diagnostic performance improved from day 4 to day 11. ConclusionsPredictive performance for early pregnancy post-IVF embryo transfer of day-5 blastocysts was not significantly different for hHCG and HCG+β; hHCG superiority over HCG+β was not shown.

Early prediction of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and resistance to methotrexate, based on a single serum human chorionic gonadotropin measurement

BackgroundClinicians are unable to provide individualized counseling regarding risk of progression for patients with a complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). We developed nomograms enabling early prediction of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and resistance to methotrexate (MTX) based on a single serum human chorion gonadotropin (hCG) measurement. MethodsWe generated two nomograms with logistic regression: to predict post-molar GTN, and MTX resistance. For patients with high probability to progress to post-molar GTN or MTX resistance, we determined hCG cut-offs at 97.5% specificity to select patients for additional- or adjustments in current treatment. ResultsThe nomograms had a good to excellent ability to distinguish either between patients with uneventful hCG regression versus progression to post molar GTN, or between patients cured by MTX versus patients in whom resistance would occur. At 97.5% specificity, we identified 66% (95%CI 56–75) of the 149 patients who would progress to post-molar GTN, four weeks after initial curettage. For patients treated with MTX, we identified 55% (95%CI 23–83) of the 43 patients who would become resistant, preceding their third course at 97.5% specificity. ConclusionThe nomograms and cut-off levels can be used to assist in counseling for patients diagnosed with CHM.

Biotin as a masking agent in chorionic gonadotropin assays utilizing biotinylated antibodies.

Biotin interference in streptavidin/biotin-based immunoassays has been recently recognized as a confounding factor in clinical settings. Depending on the nature of the assay, the presence of excess biotin in patient samples can cause falsely high or low results. One of the platforms known to be affected, Roche Cobas, is widely used in anti-doping laboratories to test for intact chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine. While biotin levels in blood have been well studied, less is known about urinary biotin due to its limited clinical significance. Having analyzed over 4,000 urine samples, we have established a reference range for urinary biotin with a median concentration of approximately 12 ng/ml. However, a significant number of samples contain much higher amounts, with a maximum approaching 10μg/ml, suggesting biotin supplementation. Consequently, the tolerance of hCG STAT assay towards biotin was investigated over a wide concentration range. The apparent hCG concentration was found to decrease almost linearly as biotin increased from 100 to 1,000 ng/ml, with only 10% of the expected value reported by the assay as biotin reached 1,000 ng/ml. Further increase of biotin resulted in a progressive, albeit more moderate, decline in measured hCG concentration. To avoid a false negative result in the context of anti-doping analysis, it is highly recommended to monitor biotin in urine and perform diafiltration before hCG measurement in samples with elevated biotin to remove the interference.

The current situation of health services for hydatidiform mole in Cambodia

Management of hydatidiform mole is important to reduce the mortality and morbidity of choriocarcinoma. This study aims to understand the existing health services for hydatidiform mole and to estimate the incidence of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) in Cambodia. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the existing health services for pregnancy and hydatidiform mole at health facilities from attendants of the 16th Annual Conference of the Cambodian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2017. The incidence of GTD in 2014-2017 was estimated using Health Information System data. A total of 126 attendants, who were from all provinces except three provinces, answered the questionnaire. The work places were national hospitals (n=29), provincial hospitals (n=42), district hospitals (n=20), health centers (n=6), and others (n=29). The answers of participants from the public sector suggested the following: Ultrasonography is available at all hospitals but not health centers; Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) measurement is only available at national hospitals; Treatment of hydatidiform mole is performed at national hospitals and provincial hospitals; and Treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is provided at national hospitals. The incidence of hydatidiform mole and GTN at health facilities in the public sector in 2014-2017 was 0.95 per 1000 deliveries and 6.58 per 100 000 deliveries, respectively. The results suggest that provincial hospitals are important to detect suspected invasive mole and refer to national hospitals for diagnosis and treatment. Further studies on the management of GTD and development of the guidelines of GTD are needed.

Placental Villous Explant Culture 2.0: Flow Culture Allows Studies Closer to the In Vivo Situation.

During pregnancy, freely floating placental villi are adapted to fluid shear stress due to placental perfusion with maternal plasma and blood. In vitro culture of placental villous explants is widely performed under static conditions, hoping the conditions may represent the in utero environment. However, static placental villous explant culture dramatically differs from the in vivo situation. Thus, we established a flow culture system for placental villous explants and compared commonly used static cultured tissue to flow cultured tissue using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) measurements. The data revealed a better structural and biochemical integrity of flow cultured tissue compared to static cultured tissue. Thus, this new flow system can be used to simulate the blood flow from the mother to the placenta and back in the most native-like in vitro system so far and thus can enable novel study designs.

Abstract 481: Utility of hCG as a biomarker of treatment response in advanced urothelial cancer: A population based series at Akershus University Hospital, Norway

Abstract Background Treatment options in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) have improved significantly in the last decade, highlighting the need for adequate biomarkers. High tumor CGB5 mRNA, encoding Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin β (hCGβ) and elevated serum free hCGβ are related to poorly differentiated UC and correlated to poor prognosis. Hypothetically, hCG could be used as serum tumor marker in aUC patients. Patients and methods From December 2018 to November 2020, serum hCG levels were measured in 62 aUC patients referred to the oncology department, Akershus University Hospital. Median age 68 years, 42 male and 21 female. Total serum hCG (intact hCG + free hCGβ) was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA”. In order to compensate for hypogonadism-related increases, hCG ≥ 50% above upper normal limit was considered as being elevated (hCG+), otherwise it was considered negative (hCG-). Further, hCG levels were defined as increasing (↑) or declining (↓) at treatment evaluation and follow up. Radiologically, patients had newly diagnosed disease (ND), progressive disease (PD) or non-PD (stable disease, partial or complete response) according to RECIST 1.1 at evaluation and follow up. hCG values were correlated with radiological findings at diagnosis, during and after treatment. Statistics by 2 x 2 contingency table and Chi Square (χ2) test. Results At least one hCG+ value was measured in 38 of 62 patients (61%), range 0.8 - 62,700 IU/L, and hCG was elevated in 22 of 43 patients (51%) with available hCG value at diagnosis, mean 15 IU/L (range 0.8 - 58). In total 213 hCG measurements could be correlated with concomitant CT or MR scans. At radiologic evaluation of ND & PD, hCG+/↑ and hCG -/↓ was found in 62 and 50 measurements, respectively. At non-PD, hCG -/↓ and hCG+/↑ was found in 94 and 7 measurements, respectively. For ND & PD versus non-PD, hCG showed a sensitivity and specificity of 55% and 93% respectively (95% CI 46-65% and 86-97%), positive and negative predictive value of 90% and 65% (95% CI 81-95% and 60-70%) and accuracy of 73% (95% CI 66-79%), χ2: p<0.00001. Exclusion of the 24 patients without elevated hCG showed improved sensitivity 76% at the cost of lower specificity 82% (95% CI 65-85% and 66-92% respectively), positive and negative predictive value 90% and 63% (95% CI 82-95% and 52-72%) and accuracy of 78% (95% CI 70-86%), χ2: p<0.00001. Conclusions Ectopic hCG production was observed in 61% of aUC patients with a strong and meaningful correlation between hCG changes and radiologic evaluation of treatment response. Intriguingly, hCG increase sometimes preceded radiologic PD, thus categorized as “false positive” until subsequent radiologic PD. hCG appears to be a promising tumor marker for biochemical treatment response evaluation in aUC patients. Citation Format: Katarina Puco, Johan Bjerner, Stig Müller, Gunder M. Lilleaasen, Haldor Husby, Mattias Røed-Undlien, Daniel Heinrich, Fredrik A. Dahl, Oluf D. Røe, Jan Oldenburg. Utility of hCG as a biomarker of treatment response in advanced urothelial cancer: A population based series at Akershus University Hospital, Norway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 481.

Early Serum hCG in IVF: Are We Trending in the Right Direction?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) measurements may be the earliest indicator of fertility cycle success, available several weeks before an ultrasound would be diagnostic for pregnancy. Outcomes of these cycles are high stakes for a couple, and the earliest reassurance of a normal pregnancy would be beneficial for their well-being. Additionally, earlier diagnosis can allow for more rapid management by providers in the case of abnormal pregnancies. Therefore, establishing normal values for initial hCG level and early hCG kinetics is of great interest. There are many factors involved in assisted reproductive techniques that may lead to alterations in hCG kinetics when compared with spontaneous pregnancies. We aim to characterize normal hCG values for in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies and review how different aspects of the IVF process may alter these trends in order to establish how best to counsel patients during the waiting period.

The role of the laboratory in the diagnosis process in a patient with mildly elevated hCG: a case report

Abstract Objetives In this case report, the role of the laboratory in the diagnosis process of the patient was treated with methotrexate (Mtx) who was diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy by endometrial biopsy as a result of the exclusion of the possibility of phantom HCG following the patient with βHCG values was discussed. Case presentation Our 25-year-old female patient admitted to our hospital obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic with irregular menstruation was evaluated with a pre-diagnosis of pregnancy. The hCG level was examined and ultrasonographically evaluated by the clinician. In the initial evaluation of the 25-year-old patient, the HCG concentration of 47 mIU/mL was determined. Conclusion Laboratory specialists should be aware of potential problems in hCG measurement. Clinicians and laboratory specialists should always be on consultation to solve clinical problems.

Conservative management for retained products of conception after less than 22 weeks of gestation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of conservative treatment in cases of retained products of conception (RPOC) with a preceding pregnancy of less than 22 weeks and to assess whether serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels could be a useful index to monitor the progress of treatment. This is a case series of patients with RPOC developed after less than 22 weeks of gestation and managed expectantly with serial serum hCG measurement between 2011 and 2017. The clinical data of subjects were reviewed retrospectively. Cases that did not require invasive treatment such as surgery were designated as conservative management success. A total of 19 cases were eligible: 14 miscarriages and 5 induced abortions. Eleven patients underwent dilatation and curettage. The diagnosis of RPOC was made 35 (8-80) days after abortion. All patients were successfully treated with conservative management. Serum hCG levels at diagnosis were 29.6 (3.2-1585) mIU/mL. Serial measurement of serum hCG was continued until the levels became lower than the cutoff value, and the mean duration to hCG disappearance was 67.5 (6-183) days. In all cases, RPOC vanished spontaneously 77 (27-184) days after diagnosis. The disappearance of RPOC in the uterine cavity was subsequent to a significant decrease in serum hCG. Once serum hCG levels reached the cutoff value, no bleeding episodes were observed. Conservative management for RPOC might be acceptable and effective. Furthermore, serial serum hCG levels reflect the activity of RPOC, and hCG may be a reliable index to monitor the progress of treatment.

The Association of Raised Mid-trimester Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) and Alpha-Fetoprotein with adverse Pregnancy Outcome

Background: Placenta is a temporary endocrine organ formed during pregnancy, which produces hormones important in the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. hCG is the first one of these hormone that is measured in pregnancy test and used in the follow up of adverse pregnancy outcome, Alpha fetoprotein is a major plasma protein produced by the yolk sac and the fetal liver during fetal development.Aim of study :to study relationship between gestational complications and levels of maternal serum HCG and AFP and determine whether the semarkers are effective predictors adverse pregnancy outcomes. Patients & Methods:Prospective cohorts study in AlDiwaniyah maternity and pediatrics teaching hospital.We enrolled a total of 230 women at 14-23 gestational weeks and measurement of maternal serum HCG & AFP were done, of those with normal HCG & AFP formed (group l), group 2 involved women with elevated AFP , group 3 with elevated HCG & group 4 involved women with elevated both HCG & AFP.Follow up weekly of the patients for the development of adversepregnancy outcome.Results: A significant relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and abnormal elevation of HCG & AFP levels in the second trimester. In group 2 the patients developed higher rate of preterm labour & pre-eclampsia compared with the group 1. In group 3 with raised HCG the rate of pre-eclampsia & IUGR development were higher than group 1. In group 4 with elevated both HCG & AFP higher incidence of pre-eclampsia & placental abruption , with a specificity(p<0.001). Conclusion: In the second trimester unexplained high AFP and HCG rates related to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

The potential use of urinary hCG measurements in the management of pregnancies of unknown location

Multiple measurements of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are used to predict the final pregnancy outcome for women with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) and monitor the management of ectopic pregnancy (EP). Urine-based testing would be more convenient and economical. This prospective cohort study involving 80 women assessed the degree of correlation between serum and urine hCG levels and whether urine hCG levels have the potential to impact clinical decision making in the management of women with a PUL. Paired urine and serum hCG measurements differed quite widely but were well correlated and the degree of correlation improved after creatinine correction. Although serial serum hCG measurements appear to be better for the overall prediction of pregnancy outcome in PUL (AUC 0.77–0.94 compared to corrected urine AUC 0.69–0.84), serial urine hCG measurements may have a role in identifying subtypes of low-risk PUL (AUC 0.83–0.84).

Pregnancy Reasonably Excluded Guide (PREG) Evaluation of Pregnancy Status Before Contraceptive Procedures: Improved Availability of Same-Day Insertion.

ObjectiveTo determine whether implementation of the Pregnancy Reasonably Excluded Guide (PREG) in a primary care gynecology clinic improves access to contraceptive procedures and affects the number of urine human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) tests.Patients and MethodsPREG was administered to 981 women aged 18 to 50 years (1012 visits) who were seen in a primary care gynecology clinic for contraceptive procedures from September 30, 2015, through April 30, 2018. Contraceptive procedures included insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) or subdermal contraceptive implant. After PREG review and patient discussion, health care professional decided to perform the procedure with or without hCG measurement or to reschedule if the patient’s pregnancy status was uncertain. We collected data on the rate of same-day contraceptive procedures and the rate of hCG testing. Data from the PREG implementation period were compared with historical data from 185 women undergoing contraceptive procedures before PREG implementation.ResultsMeasurement of hCG was performed in 53% of women before and 24.1% (224 of 1,012 visits) after PREG implementation in the primary care setting. After PREG implementation, 974 0f 1012 patients (96.2%) were eligible for a same-day contraceptive procedure. If traditional criteria, current menses, or a preexisting IUC or implant in place were required for IUC or implant insertion, only 594 patients (58.7%) would have qualified for a same-day procedure. No contraceptive procedures occurred in pregnant women.ConclusionPREG implementation allowed for same-day IUC or implant insertion in 974 women (96.2%) seen for a contraceptive procedure. Most of the women (75.9%) did not require preprocedure hCG measurement.

The management of hydatidiform mole using prophylactic chemotherapy and hysterectomy for high-risk patients decreased the incidence of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in Vietnam: a retrospective observational study.

ABSTRACTThe management of hydatidiform mole (HM) and the incidence of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in Vietnam has not been reported to date. This study aimed to study the incidence of HM and post-molar GTN and identify factors associated with post-molar GTN at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. Five hundred and eighty-four patients who were treated for HM at Tu Du Hospital between January and December 2010 were included in this study. The mean age and gestational age at the first evacuation were 28.8 years old and 11.0 weeks, respectively. After the initial evacuation and pathological examination, 87 patients who were older than 40 or did not wish to have children underwent a hysterectomy, while the others underwent second curettage. All 472 patients who had human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ≥ 100,000 IU/L before treatment received one cycle of methotrexate with folinic acid as prophylactic chemotherapy. The incidence of HM was 11.1 per 1,000 deliveries; 47 patients (8.0%) developed post-molar GTN. Gestational week, hCG level at one week after the first evacuation, and pathological remnants were significantly associated with the development of post-molar GTN. The results of this study suggest that prophylactic chemotherapy and hysterectomy may be useful for high-risk HM patients to reduce post-molar GTN in settings in which the risk of post-molar GTN and loss to follow-up after HM are greater and hCG measurements and appropriate GTN treatments are unavailable. However, future studies on the long-term outcomes and side effects of prophylactic therapies on HM are required.

Jointly modelling longitudinally measured urinary human chorionic gonadotrophin and early pregnancy outcomes

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is largely used to confirm pregnancy. Yet evidence shows that longitudinal hCG profiles are distinguishable between healthy and failing pregnancies. We retrospectively fitted a joint longitudinal-survival model to data from 127 (85 healthy and 42 failing pregnancies) US women, aged 18–45, who were attempting to conceive, to quantify the association between longitudinally measured urinary hCG and early miscarriage. Using subject-specific predictions, obtained uniquely from the joint model, we investigated the plausibility of adaptively monitoring early pregnancy outcomes based on updating hCG measurements. Volunteers collected daily early morning urine samples for their menstrual cycle and up to 28 days post day of missed period. The longitudinal submodel for log hCG included a random intercept and slope and fixed linear and quadratic time terms. The survival submodel included maternal age and cycle length covariates. Unit increases in log hCG corresponded to a 63.9% (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16, 0.47) decrease in the risk of miscarriage, confirming a strong association between hCG and miscarriage. Outputted conditional survival probabilities gave individualised risk estimates for the early pregnancy outcomes in the short term. However, longer term monitoring would require a larger sample size and prospectively followed up data, focusing on emerging extensions to the joint model, which allow assessment of the specificity and sensitivity.

Unusual false-negative serum human chorionic gonadotropin detected by qualitative immunoassay: a case report of two Iraqi women

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a human pregnancy hormone that plays a crucial role in the promotion, maintenance, and establishment of pregnancy. Measurement of hCG in early pregnancy is the first and most common test. Blood is considered to have more concentration of hCG than urine, so early detection of pregnancy test is more advised in serum than urine, but this study showed two Iraqi pregnant women with false-negative hCG result in the blood, whereas it was positive in urine, with persisting pregnancy symptoms. This study is considered the first report regarding this finding. In spite of hCG in serum being regarded the most standard test for pregnancy, the results of this study call for attention to the importance of early diagnosis of pregnancy through test in urine, and it must be made compulsory to avoid risks toward pregnant women and fetus with false-negative hCG result in serum.

Early Detection of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Based on Serial Measurement of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Hormone in Women with Molar Pregnancy.

Background:The majority of studies which investigate the predicted power of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to the occurrence of Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) considered the effect of a single measurement of hCG or used classical statistical methods without considering the endogenous marker. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between weekly measurements of β-hCG with time to GTN occurring, using a robust Bayesian joint modeling.Methods:Data of 201 women with a molar pregnancy were considered for this retrospective cohort study. After the first measurement of β-hCG in 48 hours post evacuation of mole, the other titration was performed on a weekly basis until three consecutive normal titers. The association between serial measurements of β-hCG and risk of GTN occurring were assessed by the classic and Bayesian joint modeling and in separate analysis the mixed linear effect and Cox-PH model were used.Results:The mean age (SD) of participants was 26.6 (6.55) year. The GTN was occurred among 14.9% of patients. The association parameter using Bayesian approach was estimated as 1.30 (95% CI: 0.44 to 2.20) which showed one unit increase in the log β-hCG corresponds to the 2.80-times increase in the hazard for the occurrence of GTN (Hazard Ratio: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.55 to 8.98).Conclusions:Findings of this study revealed that weekly measurements of β-hCG are an important and reliable biomarker to early detection of developing of molar pregnancy to persistent GTN.

State-of-the-Art Workup and Initial Management of Newly Diagnosed Molar Pregnancy and Postmolar Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

Gestational trophoblastic disease refers to a series of interrelated tumors arising from the placenta, including benign molar pregnancies as well as the malignant conditions termed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). GTN most commonly follows a molar pregnancy but may develop after any gestation. The wide availability of first trimester ultrasound and serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) measurement has changed the presentation of molar pregnancy in recent decades from a second trimester to a first trimester disease, such that most patients have few symptoms at diagnosis. With identification of molar pregnancy at earlier gestations, accurate diagnosis increasingly relies on expert histopathology coupled with ancillary molecular and genetic techniques. However, earlier diagnosis has not changed the risk of postmolar GTN. Although most molar pregnancies are treated with dilation and curettage, hysterectomy may be appropriate in select cases when future fertility is not desired. After treatment of molar pregnancy, close surveillance with serial hCG monitoring is essential to diagnose GTN and identify the need for chemotherapy. Physicians following hCG levels should understand the performance characteristics of the test, including common causes of false-positive and false-negative results. After a diagnosis of postmolar GTN is made, selection of single-agent or multiagent chemotherapy depends on accurate assignment of the clinical stage and risk stratification by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) prognostic scoring system. Surgical treatment of postmolar low-risk GTN, including both second uterine curettage and hysterectomy, may decrease subsequent need for or duration of chemotherapy. Cure rates for postmolar low-risk GTN approach 100%, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes for patients reflect those of the general population.