Elevated Second-Trimester Free β-hCG as an Isolated Finding and Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

The mean maternal age of the study group was significantly lower than in controls (27.9 +/- 4.3 and 30.6 +/- 5.1 years, respectively, p < 0.05), while the proportion of primigravidas was significantly higher compared to that of controls (p < 0.05). After adjustment of the 2 groups according to maternal age and parity, we observed an increased incidence of preeclampsia among women with elevated free beta-hCG levels in relation to controls (p < 0.05). However, a logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the free beta-hCG level was not a predictor of the occurrence of preeclampsia. No significant relationship was found with the incidence of gestational diabetes, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, pregnancy-related hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion and stillbirths (p > 0.05).