Is normal beta-hCG regression curve helpful in the diagnosis of persistent trophoblastic disease?

Behtash N, Ghaemmaghami F, Honar H, Riazi K, Nori A, Modares M, Mousavi A. Is normal b-hCG regression curve helpful in the diagnosis of persistent trophoblastic disease? Int J Gynecol Cancer 2004;14:980—983. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the probable useful- ness of normal b-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG) regression curve in the diagnosis of persistent trophoblastic disease (PTD). Methods: A log-value regression curve was developed from the means and 95% confidence limits of serial weekly serum b-hCG titers of 43 patients with uneventful complete hydatidiform moles and 14 patients, who were previously confirmed as PTD. Results: All 14 PTD patients (100%) had abnormal values, beyond normal range, within 4 weeks. b-hCG was in its upper values, compared to normal regression curve at 2.290.19 weeks. This was earlier than plateau or rise detection at 4.210.33 weeks (P <0.001). Within 3 weeks of evacuation, 13 of 14 (92.86%) PTD patients' b-hCG values exceeded the normal range, whereas only six of 14 (42%) showed a rise or plateau. Conclusion: Our finding indicates that the normal b-hCG regression curve may be useful for quicker detection of PTD than the plateau or rise of level.