Beta HCG levels in a pregnant dialysis patient: a cautionary tale

Abstract

Conception is rare in patients on chronic dialysis and diagnosis is often delayed as it is least expected. Serum beta HCG levels are elevated in both pregnant and non-pregnant dialysis patients, and pregnant dialysis patients have slightly higher beta HCG levels when compared with normal pregnancy. This can be erroneously interpreted as non-viable pregnancy and so results should be viewed with caution. Serial beta HCG levels must be followed when non-viable pregnancy is suspected in a dialysis patient before contemplating termination of pregnancy as described in our case.