PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Lee T. Dresang 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.