Hydatidiform mole coexisting with a live fetus: a dilemma of management. A recent review (1965-1985) and report of 2 new cases.

A review of 24 patients with a molar placenta and coexisting live fetus, including 2 new cases from the Queensland Trophoblastic Disease Registry, was made. The rate of fetal abnormalities was 33%; all 8 abnormal fetuses were female and in 5 of them in whom cultures were performed the chromosomal karyotype was triploidy 69XXX. There were 3 patients in whom malignant sequelae were detected (12%). After a confident ultrasound diagnosis of a molar placenta and a coexisting live fetus, the decision on whether the pregnancy should be terminated or allowed to continue should be based on the likelihood of the fetus being abnormal. It is recommended that the chromosomal karyotype and amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein level be determined by amniocentesis at about 16-18 weeks. This should allow those pregnancies in whom the fetus is potentially normal to be selected for conservative management.