Evaluation of threatened abortion by human chorionic gonadotropin levels and ultrasonography.

To determine the prognostic value of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) concentrations in maternal plasma and urine, we studied 104 women with threatened abortion (cases) and 108 women with normal pregnancies and normal serum levels of HCG (controls). Of the 104 cases, 48 were also examined ultrasonically. We concluded that measurements of serum levels of HCG are of more accurate prognostic value than those of urine levels. Low serum levels of HCG indicate a poor prognosis for the pregnancy, as do steady decreases, in repeated measurements, of initially high HCG level. The combination of normal serum levels of HCG and signs of fetal life during ultrasonic examination indicates a very good prognosis for the pregnancy.