title: How long should patients be followed after molar pregnancy? Analysis of serum hCG follow-up data.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We analyzed human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) follow-up data of patients with molar pregnancy. Women often do not complete recommended post-disease screening. Our purpose was to determine if continuing follow up of uncomplicated molar cases beyond attaining undetectable hCG levels is necessary for detecting relapse of gestational trophoblastic disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred fifty patients treated at Hungarian National Health Center were analyzed. Those who developed persistent disease before hCG had become undetectable were excluded from further analysis (n=24; 16%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 126 uncomplicated cases, 72 patients (57%) completed follow up, and 54 (43%) discontinued their protocol before it had been completed. Of 120 patients who achieved at least one undetectable hCG level, none had any evidence of relapse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In uncomplicated hydatidiform mole, our analysis indicates that once undetectable serum hCG levels are attained, relapse is unlikely. Although further monthly checks are advisable, the likelihood of recurrence appears very low.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Health Center, 35 Szabolcs Street, Budapest 1135, Hungary. batorfijozsef@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Jozsef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Batorfi
authors.forename: Gyorgy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vegh
authors.forename: Janos
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szepesi
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Szigetvari
authors.forename: Jozsef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Doszpod
authors.forename: Vilmos
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fulop
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006828:Hydatidiform Mole / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin