Variability in β-human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations following evacuation of a hydatidiform mole pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study from Vietnam

Background Gestational trophoblastic disease refers to a group of tumors defined by abnormal trophoblastic proliferation. This disease produces a distinct tumor marker, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, which can be useful for diagnosis and follow-up. The objective of this study was to investigate the variations in serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels after uterine evacuation as well and the progression of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tu Du Hospital, Vietnam, between January 2019 and December 2020. All patients diagnosed with molar pregnancy were analyzed retrospectively based on serial serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels following uterine evacuation. Post-evacuation outcomes, including relapsed molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, were also monitored. Results We enrolled 560 patients with molar pregnancy, including 298 with complete hydatidiform mole and 262 with partial hydatidiform mole. Severe symptoms were more common in those with complete hydatidiform mole. Over the follow-up period, 97 cases of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were noted. The data show that the median time to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia diagnosis was 8.75 ± 4.41 (4–26) weeks. In terms of variations in the serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, the generalized estimating equation model showed a faster decline in the complete hydatidiform mole group than in the partial hydatidiform mole group. Similarly, regression in serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels was significantly more rapid in patients who progressed to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia than in those with relapsed molar pregnancy (−11,593 vs. −20,651.22 and −12,946.26 vs. −46,329.23 mUI/mL, p < 0.001). Conclusions Surveillance of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels remains essential for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia monitoring in patients with molar pregnancy following surgical evacuation. The post-evacuation serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level regression curve helps distinguish gestational trophoblastic neoplasia from hydatidiform moles. Further evidence is required to strengthen these findings.