title: Declining serum concentrations of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin and ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
abstract: Declining values of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin may be associated with ectopic pregnancy or missed abortion. Sonography may not always establish a definitive diagnosis. A case is presented where expectant management of declining levels resulted in rupture of an ectopic pregnancy. Declining values of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin should not give the clinician a false sense of security in managing first-trimester pregnancy disorders.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood*; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D010446:Peptide Fragments