title: Geographical distribution and demographic characteristics of gestational trophoblastic disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To outline the geographical distribution pattern of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) in a referral center in Bahia, Brazil, and determine the demographics of the disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a study of data retrieved from medical records of 140 GTD patients referred to our Trophoblastic Diseases Center in 2002-2007, assessing geographical distribution across health care districts, demographics, referral sources, and previous pregnancy status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most common GTD types were hydatidiform mole (106, 75.7%), invasive mole (32, 22.9%), choriocarcinoma (1, 0.7%), and placental site trophoblastic tumor (1, 0.7%). GTD incidence was 8.5 in 1,000 deliveries. Most patients originated from the coastal region (East district), which includes the state capital (77.9%). The 20-34 age group predominated (65%). Education level (67.9% attended elementary school only) and employment rate (42.9%) were low. Secondary hospitals were the principal source of referral (84.3%), followed by self-referrals (15.7%). Regarding previous pregnancy status, 42.1% (n = 59) had had term pregnancy, 39.3% (n = 55) no pregnancy, 15% (n = 21) miscarriage, and 0.7% (n = 1) ectopic pregnancy; 4 patients (2.9%) had previous hydatidiform mole.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GTD predominated in the peak fertility age group and among patients of unfavorable sociodemographic status.
authors.affiliation: Trophoblastic Diseases Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrícia Daniela Paranhos B
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.forename: Izildinha
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Maestá
authors.forename: Olívia Lúcia Nunes
authors.initials: OL
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Rafael Cortés
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Charry
authors.forename: Adriano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: Marilza Vieira Cunha
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Rudge
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult