PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Dresang, Lee T.
TI  - A Molar Pregnancy Detected by Following β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels after a First Trimester Loss
AID  - 10.3122/jabfm.18.6.570
DP  - 2005 Nov 01
TA  - The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
PG  - 570--573
VI  - 18
IP  - 6
4099  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/18/6/570.short
4100  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/18/6/570.full
SO  - J Am Board Fam Med2005 Nov 01; 18
AB  - This case report summarizes the sequence of events that led to the detection of a molar pregnancy missed by ultrasound and initial pathology examinations. This patient illustrates that following serial quantitative β-human chorionic gonadotropin (B-hCG) levels after spontaneous, therapeutic, and elective abortions will help detect potentially life-threatening molar and ectopic pregnancies. Further research is needed to determine the optimal frequency of B-hCG testing. For now, maternity care providers can follow the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommendation that abnormal bleeding for more than 6 weeks after any pregnancy should be evaluated with B-hCG testing. Earlier testing may be considered.