Biochemistry in diagnosis and management of abnormal early pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
This review examines the biochemical parameters of early pregnancy failure and the role that biochemical markers have to play in the selection of patients for expectant management.


RESULTS
Earlier studies have concentrated on the role that human chorionic gonadotrophin and progesterone have to play in early pregnancy failure. Recent studies, however, have explored newer markers such as the inhibins and insulin growth factor binding proteins. Diagnostic models have now been created incorporating demographic, morphological, and biochemical parameters for the prediction of successful expectant management of early pregnancy failure.


CONCLUSIONS
Examining the role of newer biochemical markers in early pregnancy failure has led to an improved understanding of the mechanisms behind it. Incorporation of these newer markers into diagnostic models has aided selection of patients for whom expectant management is appropriate.
Elson
Janine
J
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
Jurkovic
Davor
D
D019326:17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000378:metabolism; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; C422362:inhibin A; D011374:Progesterone; D007265:Inhibins; D019326:17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone