Serial changes in serum hCG
Finally, we examined the transition in serum hCG levels in cases with
conservative management. Of the 16 cases in which serum hCG was
measured, the median time from delivery to serum hCG level below the
measurable threshold was 67 (23-113) days. Next, we investigated the
changes in serum hCG levels in cases in which serum hCG was examined at
least twice before falling below the measurable threshold. In seven
cases that delivered after 34 weeks of gestation but did not undergo
UAE, the median half-life of serum hCG was 4.7 (2.3-7.5) days (Figure
4A).
Serum hCG levels decreased rapidly after UAE in three patients (Figure
4B). Among the cases who delivered before 20 weeks of gestation and did
not undergo UAE, the median half-life of serum hCG was 7.4 (3.8-39.1)
days (Figure 4C, 4D). None of the cases delivered after 34 weeks of
gestation had a hCG half-life of > 10 days, whereas three
cases delivered before 20 weeks of gestation had a half-life of
>10 days (Figure 4D).