Third-trimester maternal serum beta-HCG level and umbilical blood flow in fetal growth retardation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between maternal serum beta-HCG level and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio in fetal growth retardation.


METHODS
Maternal serum beta-HCG was measured in 57 pregnant women in the third trimester, 31 with a fetal growth retardation and 26 with a normal growth. The systolic/diastolic ratio was measured in a midsection of the umbilical cord the same day of the biochemical determination.


RESULTS
The serum beta-HCG level was statistically significant higher in pregnant women with a fetal growth retardation associated with a high systolic/diastolic ratio (n = 9) (P < 0.001). There were no differences between the fetuses with a normal growth (n = 26) and those with an intrauterine growth retardation and a normal systolic/diastolic ratio (n = 22). There was a significant positive correlation between maternal serum beta-HCG level and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal growth retardation due to Doppler-defined vascular placental insufficiency is associated with a higher maternal serum beta-HCG level.
Bartha
J L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain.
Comino-Delgado
R
R
Arrabal
J
J
Escobar
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D010927:Placental Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology*
D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human