Clinicopathologic characteristics and subsequent pregnancy outcome in 139 complete hydatidiform moles

The most common form of gestational trophoblastic disease is the complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). The study reports our experience of clinicopathologic characteristics and subsequent pregnancy outcome of patients with CHM.

One hundred fifty-one subsequent cases with initial diagnosis of CHM were re-evaluated histopathologically. Clinical characteristics, the need for chemotherapy and subsequent pregnancy outcome were evaluated.

Twelve out of 151 cases were re-evaluated as hydropic abortion, as partial hydatidiform moles or were insufficient for morphologic examination and therefore excluded from further analysis. The leading clinical symptoms of the remaining 139 cases were irregular vaginal bleeding (67%) and uterine enlargement (41%). Twenty-six patients (19%) required chemotherapy because of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN; low-risk: 23 out of 26). All patients were cured successfully. The subsequent pregnancy rate was 15% (21/139). Five patients suffered from abortions, 12 women delivered a healthy offspring. Four women presented with recurrent CHM with a spontaneous normalization of HCG levels after D&C.

The clinical and morphologic diagnosis of CHM is a challenge, and diagnosis as well as treatment should be multidisciplinary and centralised. One fifth of CHM are at risk of a GTN, but the cure rate is 100% with adequate management. Pregnancy outcome following CHM is complicated by an increased risk of abortion.