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Elevated second-trimester human chorionic gonadotropin levels in association with poor pregnancy outcome
K D Wenstrom1, J Owen, L R Boots
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35233-7333.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in maternal serum are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This finding suggests hCG may serve as a biomarker for identifying pregnancies at risk for complications.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Maternal serum screening plays a crucial role in assessing pregnancy risks.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key hormone produced during pregnancy.
- Understanding biomarkers for abnormal pregnancy outcomes is vital for improved prenatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between elevated maternal serum hCG levels and abnormal pregnancy outcomes.
- To determine if hCG can serve as a predictive marker for pregnancy complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study involving 126 women with poor pregnancy outcomes and 126 matched controls.
- Measurement of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and hCG levels from second-trimester samples.
- Exclusion of pregnancies with aneuploidy or structural abnormalities.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher proportion of women with poor pregnancy outcomes had elevated hCG levels (14%) compared to controls (3%).
- Elevated hCG and alpha-fetoprotein were associated with preterm delivery and fetal death.
- Elevated hCG specifically correlated with preeclampsia, while elevated alpha-fetoprotein was linked to post-amniocentesis complications and fetal growth restriction.
Conclusions:
- Elevated maternal serum hCG is significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, similar to unexplained elevated alpha-fetoprotein.
- hCG may be a valuable biomarker for identifying pregnancies at risk for specific complications like preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and fetal death.