title: Management of gestational trophoblastic disease and other cases with low serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin.
abstract: Recent publications show that the measurements of particular human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) variants are extremely beneficial in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Here we review the possible sources of hCG and the use of commercial tests in the optimal management of GTD, quiescent GTD,false positive hCG results, placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) detection, nontrophoblastic neoplasms and pituitary hCG. Hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H) measurements are ideal for discriminating active (invasive) from inactive (quiescent or benign) disease. hCG-H testing is also more sensitive than regular hCG in detecting recurrent or persistent disease. After excluding false positive hCG results, and in the absence of any radiographic evidence of tumor, hCG-H should be measured before starting chemotherapy or surgery in women presenting with low hCG (<1,000 mIU/mL) with or without a history of GTD. The hCG free beta assay is an invaluable test in discriminating PSTT from other GTDs, thereby aiding the determination of appropriate treatment options.
authors.affiliation: USA hCG Reference Service, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-0001, USA. skhanlian@salud.unm.edu
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Khanlian
authors.forename: Laurence A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D001681:Biological Assay; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin