Role of plasma nitric oxide in complete hydatidiform mole.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: This prospective study aimed to evaluate any relationship between development of complete hydatidiform mole and plasma levels of nitric oxide (a biologically active mediator derived from L-arginine), and human chorionic gonadotropin beta (beta-hCG; a metabolite involved in trophoblast production).

METHODS

Levels of plasma nitric oxide and beta-hCG were measured in 38 patients with complete hydatidiform mole pregnancies, and nitric oxide levels were measured in 31 women with normal pregnancies who formed the control group.

RESULTS

For patients compared with controls, mean plasma concentrations of nitric oxide were significantly higher (35.84 vs 29.54 microM; p < 0.001) and significantly associated with increased risk of hydatidiform mole (odds ratio 1.0105, 95% confidence interval 1.0034-1.0176). No significant relationship was found between plasma levels of nitric oxide and beta-hCG in the patient group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with complete hydatidiform mole compared with controls, plasma nitric oxide levels were found to be significantly higher and associated with increased molar risk.