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Inhibin as a marker for hydatidiform mole: a comparative study with the determinations of intact human chorionic
Y Badonnel1, F Barbé, H Legagneur
1Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Maternité régionale, Nancy, France.
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to evaluate plasma inhibin as a marker of hydatidiform mole and to compare the results with intact human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and its free beta-subunit.
Design:
Serial determinations of the plasma concentrations of inhibin, intact human chorionic gonadotrophin and its free beta-subunit in cases of hydatidiform mole over an average period of 140 days.
Patients:
Five cases of hydatidiform mole, including patients with spontaneous remission after evacuation or persistent trophoblastic disease.
Measurements:
Immunoreactive inhibin, hCG and free hCG beta-subunit were measured using standard enzyme immunoassays.
Results:
Inhibin and free hCG beta-subunit levels were greater than in normal pregnant women at the same gestational age. Only intact hCG could detect the persistence of trophoblastic tissue.
Conclusions:
Our data suggest that inhibin, intact human chorionic gonadotrophin and free beta-subunit might be useful as diagnostic markers of molar pregnancies. However, the original method of intact hCG determination is still superior for follow-up.