Authors: Korhonen, J.¹; Tiitinen, A.¹; Alfthan, H.²; Ylöstalo, P.¹; Stenman, U.-H.²

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 11, Number 12, December 1996 , pp. 2750-2757(8)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

We studied the dynamics of serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and its free α (HCGα) and β (HCGP) subunits in 49 early pregnancies achieved by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. Of the 49 early pregnancies, nine were normal singleton pregnancies, 11 were twin pregnancies, 11 were ectopic, eight ended in a clinical (spontaneous) abortion and 10 ended in a preclinical abortion. The HCG, HCGa and HCGP concentrations in serum were measured on days 12, 19 and 26 after embryo transfer. Most ectopic pregnancies could be distinguished from singleton (and twin) pregnancies on the basis of low HCG concentrations by 12 days after embryo transfer, but clinical abortions could not be distinguished from singleton pregnancies. In general, the measurement of HCGa and HCGβ and the molar ratios of the various forms provided only marginal additional value to that obtained from HCG, but on days 19 and 26 after embryo transfer HCGa was the most sensitive indicator of a normal pregnancy after IVF and embryo transfer. We conclude that in ectopic pregnancies the concentrations of HCG, HCGa and HCGP increase as expected but 1.5 days later than in normal pregnancies. This appears to be the result of a delay in implantation.

Keywords: ectopic pregnancy; HCGα; HCGp; IVF and embryo transfer; spontaneous abortion

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: <institution>Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital</institution> <addr-line>Haartmaninkatu 2, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland</addr-line>, 2: ,

Publication date: 1996-12-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Korhonen, J. ;  Tiitinen, A. ;  Alfthan, H. ;  Ylöstalo, P. ;  Stenman, U.-H.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers