Efficacy of Mid-Second-Trimester Serum b-HCG Levels as a Predictor of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
QC01-QC03
Correspondence
Kada Vishnu Priya,
Postgraduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, B.L.D.E (DU), Shri BM Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura-586103, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: vishnupriyakada@gmail.com
Introduction: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) affect up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide, despite improvements in maternal and neonatal care. HDP and its sequelae are a dreaded complication of pregnancy. If prediction becomes possible, prevention will follow naturally.
Aim: To study the efficacy of mid-second trimester serum b-hCG levels in the prediction of HDP.
Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal cohort study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Shri BM Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India, between December 2020 and June 2022. All women with gestational age between 16-20 weeks were screened, and 163 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Serum β-hCG levels were measured at enrollment, and values were followed-up until delivery. The development of HDP was evaluated using statistical analysis, including Chi-square, Independent t-test, Receiver Operating Curve/Area under the ROC Curve (ROC/AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Of the 163 pregnant women enrolled, 49 (30.1%) developed HDP, while 114 (69.9%) remained normotensive. The mean age of the study population was 24±4 years. The mean serum β-hCG level in the normotensive group was 55666 mIU/mL, while in the HDP group, it was 100124 mIU/mL, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.001. A cut-off value of 77817 mIU/mL showed 83.7% sensitivity and 92.1% specificity.
Conclusion: This study suggests that serum b-hCG levels between 16-20 weeks can be used as a non-invasive predictor of HDP. It is a good predictor of HDP and could potentially improve prevention strategies.