Predictive Value of Maternal Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin for Risk Assessment of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to find out if measuring levels of beta HCG in early 2nd trimester can accurately predict HDP occurrence. Methods: This was a prospective observational study was conducted from August 2020 to September 2021 at OPD/IPD of Gynae Unit-II of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. The tests were done at Pathology Department, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. Beta HCG levels of total 180 pregnant females who were in their second trimester (14-20) were assessed. Results: Out of 180 study subjects, 157 cases remained normotensive and 23 patients got hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Out of these 23 patients , twelve patients had mild hypertensive disease while eleven patients had severe disease. We noticed a significantly raised serum β hCG levels in females with htn disorder of pregnancy as compared to normotensive pregnant females. Conclusion: The study indicated that pregnant women with raised beta HCG levels in early pregnancy are at an increased risk of adopting gestational hypertension and related disorders so beta HCG in second trimester can be used as a good predictive test for HDPs. Keywords: Pregnancy, Beta HCG, Hypertensive pregnancy disorders, trimester, hypertension