Evaluation of serial beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin levels after primary treatment of molar pregnancies : can the follow-Up for surveillance of persistence or malignant transformation be shortened?

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether Beta-hCG levels at various time intervals during the follow-up period after primary treatment of molar pregnancies could be used to predict progression of the disease later, in an attempt to shorten the period of surveillance. Furthermore an assessment of the demographic details and risk factors for the development of persistent trophoblastic disease was examined. Levels of compliance to the current surveillance protocol were evaluated.Method: A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with molar pregnancies at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town from January 2000 to December 2010.Results: Among the 120 patients, 13 (19.7%) of complete moles and 10 (20%) of partial moles developed persistent trophoblastic disease. There was no statistical significance of the demographic data when comparing the two types of moles. 66% of complete and 50% of partial moles were lost to follow-up within the first six months of surveillance. A potential Beta-hCG cut-off value of 148mIU/ml at week 6 offered a sensitivity of 0.89 and specificity of 0.88 that surveillance could be terminated.Conclusions: Patient compliance is a limiting factor in the evaluation of molar pregnancy surveillance. However, based on our results, the suggestion that termination of surveillance after primary evacuation could occur at 6 weeks if the Beta-hCG level was 148 mIU/ml or lower remains undecided, and it is our opinion that higher sensitivities and specificities are required. Further research is needed to solidify this claim. The acquisition of demographic information of our population remains a priority, in order for more informed decisions to be made.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University