EARLY HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN LEVELS AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PREGNANCY AFTER ART IN PATIENTS WITH PREECLAMPSIA
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Abstract
Objective – to evaluate early β-hCG levels and clinical characteristics in patients after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) depending on the development of preeclampsia.
Materials and methods. A single-center prospective observational cohort study was conducted in 105 patients with pregnancies achieved after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). After completion of follow-up and assessment of obstetric outcomes, the patients were divided into two groups according to the development of preeclampsia: without preeclampsia (n = 92) and with preeclampsia (n = 13). β-hCG levels on days 10 and 14 after embryo transfer, hCG levels at the first-trimester prenatal screening, parameters of hormonal support, obstetric and gynecological history, and preeclampsia screening risk data were assessed. Quantitative variables are presented as Me [Q1; Q3], and categorical variables as n/N (%). The Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher’s exact test were used, p values < 0.05 were considered nominally significant.
Results. In the preeclampsia group, β-hCG levels on day 10 were lower than in the non-preeclampsia group: 293.5 [257.0; 293.5] vs 325.69 [299.75; 325.69] mIU/mL (p = 0.014). A similar pattern was found for day 14 β-hCG: 1168.67 [1168.67; 1168.67] vs 1401.39 [1213.75; 1401.39] mIU/mL (p = 0.010). No significant differences were found for first-trimester screening hCG (p = 0.113). Patients with preeclampsia also had lower progesterone levels, earlier cessation of hormonal support, higher rates of cervical insufficiency history, early preterm birth, and intermediate screening risk for preeclampsia.
Conclusion. Preeclampsia was associated with lower β-hCG levels on days 10 and 14 post-embryo transfer. Early β-hCG values may serve as a potential marker of early placentation characteristics after ART; however, due to the small number of preeclampsia cases and multiple comparisons, results should be considered preliminary.
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