Routine terminations of pregnancy--should we screen for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia?
After termination of pregnancy for non-medical reasons, the products of conception are often not routinely examined for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Between 1995 and 2001 we identified 15 women without and 36 women with a pathological diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia at the time of their pregnancy termination. Women without a diagnosis were significantly more likely to have subsequent life-threatening complications of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (four of 15 vs none of 36; p=0.003), and to require surgical intervention (15 of 15 vs one of 36; p<0.0001) and chemotherapy (nine of 15 vs two of 36; p<0.0001). All women should be screened for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after termination of pregnancy.
Seckl
Michael J
MJ
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Charing Cross and Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Imperial College London, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK. m.seckl@imperial.co.uk
Gillmore
Roopinder
R
Foskett
Marianne
M
Sebire
Neil J
NJ
Rees
Helene
H
Newlands
Edward S
ES
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin