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Elevated second trimester human chorionic gonadotropin level associated with adverse pregnancy outcome
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Unexplained high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the second trimester of pregnancy are linked to adverse outcomes. This includes increased risks of preeclampsia, growth restriction, and preterm birth.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Second-trimester maternal serum screening is crucial for assessing pregnancy risks.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key biomarker in prenatal screening.
- Unexplained elevations in hCG may indicate underlying pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between unexplained elevated second-trimester maternal serum hCG levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To determine if high hCG MoM values predict specific complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 610 pregnant women undergoing second-trimester screening.
- Study group: 81 women with hCG > 2.0 multiples of the median (MoM).
- Control group: 481 women with hCG < 2.0 MoM. Excluded pregnancies with fetal anomalies or high AFP levels.
Main Results:
- Elevated hCG levels (>2.0 MoM) significantly increased the risk of preeclampsia (OR 5.93).
- Associated with higher rates of intrauterine growth retardation (OR 5.34) and preterm delivery (OR 5.66).
- Also linked to preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR 3.15).
Conclusions:
- Unexplained second-trimester hCG elevation is a potential indicator of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- This finding may aid in identifying high-risk pregnancies earlier.
- Further research could explore the mechanisms behind this association.