S M Qasim1, C Callan, J K Choe. 1. Cooper Center for Reproductive Endocrinology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marlton, New Jersey, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Our purpose was to assess the predictive value for pregnancy outcome of an initial serum quantitative beta-hCG measurement obtained 11 or 12 days after embryo transfer in an in vitro fertilization program. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study of 153 pregnancies achieved via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer was performed. Initial beta-hCG levels and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The overall mean initial beta-hCG level was 91 +/- 85.8 mIU/ml for normal (singleton, multiple-gestation) pregnancies and 29 +/- 24.9 mIU/ml for abnormal (miscarriage, ectopic) pregnancies (P < 0.01; power, > 80%). While 93.9% of patients with initial beta-hCG levels > or = 42 mIU/ml had normal pregnancies, 56.4% of those with initial levels < 42 mIU/ml experienced abnormal outcomes. With 42 mIU/ml as the cutoff level for predicting a normal pregnancy, this screening test yielded a sensitivity of 79.3% and a specificity of 83.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Initial serum beta-hCG levels obtained 11 or 12 days after embryo transfer may be predictive of pregnancy outcome in an in vitro fertilization program.
PURPOSE: Our purpose was to assess the predictive value for pregnancy outcome of an initial serum quantitative beta-hCG measurement obtained 11 or 12 days after embryo transfer in an in vitro fertilization program. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study of 153 pregnancies achieved via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer was performed. Initial beta-hCG levels and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The overall mean initial beta-hCG level was 91 +/- 85.8 mIU/ml for normal (singleton, multiple-gestation) pregnancies and 29 +/- 24.9 mIU/ml for abnormal (miscarriage, ectopic) pregnancies (P < 0.01; power, > 80%). While 93.9% of patients with initial beta-hCG levels > or = 42 mIU/ml had normal pregnancies, 56.4% of those with initial levels < 42 mIU/ml experienced abnormal outcomes. With 42 mIU/ml as the cutoff level for predicting a normal pregnancy, this screening test yielded a sensitivity of 79.3% and a specificity of 83.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Initial serum beta-hCG levels obtained 11 or 12 days after embryo transfer may be predictive of pregnancy outcome in an in vitro fertilization program.
Authors: J Dor; E Rudak; S Rotmench; D Levran; J Blankstein; A Lusky; L Nebel; D M Serr; S Mashiach Journal: Hum Reprod Date: 1988-07 Impact factor: 6.918