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Serum β-hcg levels between 12 to 20 weeks of gestation in prediction of hypertensive disordrers of pregnancy

Background This study was undertaken to study the association of serum β hCG levels between 12 to 20 weeks of gestation and development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and to assess the association between the levels of β hCG and severity of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Study design: Prospective cohort study (200 uncomplicated primigravida).

Methods All women between 12 to 20 weeks of pregnancy meeting the selection criteria, attended antenatal OPD in JIPMER were recruited for this study after informed consent. The venous blood samples were obtained from the subjects for β-hCG analysis. Serum β hCG level was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunoassay System (ELISA) and expressed as mIU/ml. Multiples of median were calculated from the median of the sample population and were considered as raised if it was >2 MOM. The cases were followed up until delivery and observed for development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Results Out of 200 cases, 185 cases were followed completely till term. Among 185 cases who were followed up, 10 women developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, accounting for 5.4% in the study group. Out of the total 185 women who were studied, 132 had β hCG levels ≤2 MOM and 53 had β hCG levels >2 MOM. Among 132 women (94.7%) with β hCG levels ≤2 MOM, 7 (5.3%) developed hypertensive disorders. Among 53 cases (94.3%) with β hCG levels >2 MOM, 3 women (5.7%) developed hypertensive disorders. The incidence of HDP was almost similar in both the groups, 5.3% among those whose β hCG levels were ≤2MOM and 5.7% among those who had β hCG levels >2 MOM (p value - 0.923).

Conclusions From the present study, it may be concluded that high serum β hCG levels (2 MOM) estimated between 12 to 20 weeks of pregnancy were not predictive of development of hypertensive disorders later in pregnancy.