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Human Reproduction, Vol. 7, No. 8, pp. 1176-1180, 1992
© 1992 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

other

Analysis of serum human chorionic gonadotrophin levels in normal singleton, multiple and abnormal pregnancies

J.H. Check1, R.M. Weiss and D. Lurie

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Camden, Cooper Hospital/ University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Camden, New Jersey, USA

Correspondence: 1To whom correspondence should be addressed at: 8002 E Greentree Commons, Marlton, NJ 08053, USA

Some researchers claim that first trimester {beta}-human chorionic gonadotrophin ({beta}HCG) levels have a constant doubling time; others suggest doubling time increases as pregnancy progresses. This study was designed to settle the debate by analysing a large series of serial serum {beta}HCG determinations from 143 pregnant women whose day of ovulation was precisely determined. Regression analysis was used to evaluate linear and quadratic models for the relationship of HCG with time in normal pregnancies. Doubling times were calculated for three time periods: 10–20 days post-ovulation (period 1); 21–30 days post-ovulation (period 2); >30 days post-ovulation (period 3). Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean doubling time by time period and type of pregnancy (single, multiple, spontaneous abortion and ectopic). The analysis showed that a quadratic model best described the pattern of HCG rise in early normal pregnancy. Furthermore, for normal pregnancies, the mean doubling time increased significantly with advancing gestational age between time periods 1 and 2 and between periods 2 and 3. The mean doubling time was the same for single and multiple pregnancies. The doubling time was prolonged with ectopic pregnancy in period 1; and for aborters reaching ultrasound at 8 weeks, the doubling time was normal in period 1 but prolonged in period 2. Careful observation of the doubling time may aid clinicians in the detection of abnormal pregnancies.

Key words: {beta}HCG/doubling time/ectopics/multiple gestation/spontaneous abortion


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