How long should patients be followed after molar pregnancy? Analysis of serum hCG follow-up data.
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.
Batorfi
Jozsef
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Health Center, 35 Szabolcs Street, Budapest 1135, Hungary. batorfijozsef@hotmail.com
Vegh
Gyorgy
G
Szepesi
Janos
J
Szigetvari
Ivan
I
Doszpod
Jozsef
J
Fulop
Vilmos
V
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
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin