Diagnosis of hydatidiform mole and persistent trophoblastic disease: diagnostic accuracy of total human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), free hCG α- and β-subunits, and their ratios

Abstract

Distinction between hydatidiform mole and normal pregnancy is best shown by a single blood specimen with hCGbeta, but hCGbeta/hCG + hCGbeta and hCGalpha/hCGbeta are also excellent diagnostic parameters. To predict PTD, hCGalpha, hCGbeta, hCG + hCGbeta and hCGalpha/hCGbeta are moderately accurate tests, although they are not accurate enough to justify prophylactic chemotherapy treatment for prevention of PTD.