Prognostic value of hCG, progesterone, 17-beta estradiol and the echoscopic examination in threatened abortion during the first trimester.

The Authors refer on the validity of echoscopic examination and hCG, progesterone and 17-beta estradiol values in the prognosis of threatened abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy in 62 patients. The echoscopic examination allowed a prognosis to be made in accordance with the clinical evolution of threatened abortion in 90% of the cases; the plasma levels of hCG and progesterone in 87% of the cases; 17-beta estradiol in 83% of the cases. The Authors conclude that the simultaneous assay of hCG, progesterone and 17-beta estradiol plasma levels does not improve the prognostic validity of echoscopy but, in some cases, can provide essential details on the etiology of threatened abortion itself.