Exploring the role of serum β-HCG levels in predicting hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a prospective observational study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232296Keywords:
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, Maternal and fetal outcomes, Predictive tool, Serum β-HCG levelsAbstract
Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health, contributing to global morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive research, these disorders remain a public health concern, necessitating the identification and prediction of associated risks for effective prevention and management.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a hospital setting, involving 200 antenatal women visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for routine checkups over a six-month period. Sample size calculation was based on expected sensitivity and prevalence rates. Inclusion criteria were defined, and clinical examinations were performed on the participants.
Results: Higher serum β-HCG levels were significantly associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Low levels correlated with 12 out of 122 cases, while high levels correlated with 59 out of 78 cases. Two deaths were linked to hypertensive disorders. Age did not show a significant association, but variations were observed among religious groups.
Conclusions: This study concludes that higher serum β-HCG levels are significantly associated with the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Age did not show a significant association with these disorders, suggesting the involvement of other contributing factors. The findings provide valuable insights for clinical management and further research in this field, contributing to a better understanding of the etiology and predictors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
References
World Health Organization. Maternal mortality, 2019. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality. Accessed on 01 June 2023.
Steegers EA, Von Dadelszen P, Duvekot JJ, Pijnenborg R. Pre-eclampsia. Lancet. 2010;376(9741):631-44.
Sibai B, Dekker G, Kupferminc M. Pre-eclampsia. Lancet. 2005;365(9461):785-99.
Poon LC, Kametas NA, Maiz N, Akolekar R, Nicolaides KH. First-trimester prediction of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Hypert. 2009;53(5):812-8.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Hypertension in pregnancy: Report of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(1):e1-e25.
Duley L. The global impact of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. InSeminars in perinatology. Vol. 33. WB Saunders; 2009:130-137.
Roberts JM, Cooper DW. Pathogenesis and genetics of pre-eclampsia. Lancet. 2001;357(9249):53-6.
Verlohren S, Herraiz I, Lapaire O, Schlembach D, Moertl M, Zeisler H, et al. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in different types of hypertensive pregnancy disorders and its prognostic potential in preeclamptic patients. Ame J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;206(1):58-e1.
Levine RJ, Maynard SE, Qian C, Lim KH, England LJ, Yu KF, et al. Circulating angiogenic factors and the risk of preeclampsia. N Eng J Med. 2004;350(7):672-83.
Nagalla S, Vinnakota R. Pre-eclampsia: A biomarker-based diagnostic approach. Biomarkers J. 2014;1(1):1-5.
Roberts JM, August PA, Bakris G. Hypertension in pregnancy: report of the American college of obstetricians and gynecologists' task force on hypertension in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122(5):1122-31.
Nagahama A, Shiozaki A, Saito S. The importance of angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis and management of preeclampsia. J Pregnancy. 2013;2013:187-947.
Huppertz B. Placental origins of preeclampsia: challenging the current hypothesis. Hypertension. 2008;51(4):970-5.
Levine RJ, Maynard SE, Qian C. Circulating angiogenic factors and the risk of preeclampsia. N Engl J Med. 2004;350(7):672-683.
Zeisler H, Llurba E, Chantraine F. Predictive value of the sFlt-1:PlGF ratio in women with suspected preeclampsia. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(1):13-22.
Verlohren S, Herraiz I, Lapaire O. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in different types of hypertensive pregnancy disorders and its prognostic potential in preeclamptic patients. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;206(1):58.e1-8.
Chen X, Scholl TO. Association of elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol. 2011;92(1-2):147-53.
