Prediction of pregnancy induced hypertension by maternal serum βhCG levels in second trimester

Abstract

Background: There is no single test that is reliable and cost-effective for predicting pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). It is hypothesized that during mid-trimester, immunological changes occur in the trophoblast resulting in secretory response which is seen as a rise in βhCG levels. An initial screening test like serum βhCG might help in categorizing patients who require special attention throughout pregnancy.Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted at Government General Hospital (GGH), Guntur, in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on 100 pregnant women in their second trimester (13-20 weeks) attending the outpatient department (OPD) from December 2020 to December 2021, who were followed up till term. Maternal serum βhCG levels were estimated.Results: Twenty three women developed PIH and 77 remained normotensive. Out of the 23 cases, 20 cases showed elevated βhCG values in 13-20 weeks.Conclusion: Elevation in maternal serum βhCG levels in early second trimester is a good non-invasive, reliable and economical test which can be used as a predictor of PIH before the clinical onset of the disease.