Correlation of elevated levels of maternal serum beta-hCG in pregnancy induced hypertension and pregnancy outcomes in these patients.

ABSTRACT

This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 105 cases of pregnancy hypertension and 100 normotensive mothers in third trimester of pregnancy. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the elevated levels of maternal serum beta-hCG (MS-beta-hCG) with type and severity of hypertension and adverse pregnancy outcomes in these patients. Elevated levels were noted in 48.6% cases of pregnancy hypertension compared to controls, where the levels were elevated in 2% cases (P < 0.001). Elevated levels were more commonly seen in proteinuric pregnancy induced hypertension (32.4%) and also when the hypertension was severe (30.4%). The results of this study establish a strong association of elevated MS-beta-hCG levels with pregnancy hypertension and poor pregnancy outcomes in these patients.