Diagnostic value of beta-HCG, estradiol, and progesterone in ectopic pregnancy versus normal-intrauterine pregnancy

To evaluate the diagnostic value of rising level of serum beta subunit human chorionic genadotrophin, single measurement of progesterone, and estradiol in early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. A case control study was conducted on 40 women with ectopic pregnancy and 40 women with normal intrauterine pregnancy from Shatby University Maternity Hospital. Blood samples for the measurement of beta subunit human chorionic genadotrophin [beta-hCG], estradiol [E2], and progesterone were drawn in all the women upon admission. Extra blood sample was drawn for measurement of beta-hCG 24 hours after admission. The mean serum levels of beta-hCG, progesterone, and estradiol in patients with ectopic pregnancies [969.0 +/- 302.1, 7.9 +/- 2.83, 621.9 +/- 131.4 respectively] were significantly lower than these levels in normal intrauterine pregnancies [3186.8 +/- 649.2, 23.5 +/- 5.3, 1853.6 +/- 508.4 respectively]. The average rate of beta-hCG rising was [8%] for 24 hours in patients with ectopic pregnancy and [31%] in normal intrauterine pregnancies. Single measurement of serum progesterone level has the greatest sensitivity [97%] and specificity [90%] in the diagnosis of early ectopic pregnancy