Study of the relationship between free B-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, estradiol and thyroid function in hyperemsis gravidarum

This study was carried out on 40 pregnant women who presented at less than 16 weeks of gestation. They were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 10 normal pregnant women as controls, group II included 30 pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum. Results showed a significant elevation of hCG, free beta-subunit of hCG, total T4, total T3, T3 resin uptake, free T4 index, free T3 index and estradiol was found in group II compared with the controls. While, there was a significant decrease in TSH level in group II compared with group I. It was concluded that, hCG and its free beta-subunit play a role in the etiology of hyperemesis, the associated biochemical hyperthyroidism and the elevated serum estradiol