title: Gestation trophoblastic diseases: management of cases with persistent low human chorionic gonadotropin results.
abstract: The finding of persistent low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) raises concern, regardless of the antecedent history, and often provokes the evaluating physician to embark on further work-up. The USA hCG Reference Service was started in 1998 to aid physicians with these persistent low hCG cases. This article reviews the observations of the USA hCG Reference Service for 134 cases with persistent low hCG results. Examination of these cases provides clear insight for the appropriate management of those presenting with persistent low levels of hCG. Three distinct sources are discussed for persistent low hCG results: quiescence gestational trophoblastic disease, false-positive hCG results, and pituitary hCG.
authors.affiliation: Division of Women's Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 2211 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5286, USA. lcole@salud.unm.edu
authors.forename: Laurence A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kohorn
authors.forename: Harriet O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy* / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D011247:Pregnancy; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin