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Plasma human chorionic gonadotropin levels after induced abortion
K Aral1, C Gürkan Zorlu, O Gökmen
1Family Planning Clinic, Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Advances in Contraception : the Official Journal of the Society for the Advancement of Contraception
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Maternal plasma human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels rapidly decrease after induced abortion, with complete elimination typically occurring within 30 days. The initial hCG level, not gestational age, influences the disappearance time.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key hormone in pregnancy.
- Monitoring hCG levels is crucial for assessing pregnancy status and outcomes.
- Induced abortion necessitates understanding the post-procedure hormonal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the elimination time and disappearance curve of maternal plasma hCG following induced abortion.
- To compare hCG elimination between early and later gestational age groups.
Main Methods:
- Studied 44 patients undergoing induced abortion.
- Divided patients into two groups based on gestational age (≤8 weeks vs. >8 weeks).
- Measured maternal plasma hCG levels before and after uterine cavity evacuation.
Main Results:
- Mean baseline maternal plasma hCG was 48,342 mIU/ml.
- A rapid decrease in plasma hCG was observed within the first week post-procedure.
- The mean hCG disappearance time was 30 days, with no significant difference between groups.
- The hCG disappearance curve followed a previously described pattern.
Conclusions:
- The time for hCG elimination after induced abortion is primarily dependent on the initial hCG concentration.
- Gestational age did not significantly impact the hCG disappearance rate when appropriate termination methods were used.