Inhibin as a marker for hydatidiform mole: a comparative study with the determinations of intact human chorionic gonadotrophin and its free beta-subunit.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate plasma inhibin as a marker of hydatidiform mole and to compare the results with intact human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and its free beta-subunit.

DESIGN

Serial determinations of the plasma concentrations of inhibin, intact human chorionic gonadotrophin and its free beta-subunit in cases of hydatidiform mole over an average period of 140 days.

PATIENTS: Five cases of hydatidiform mole, including patients with spontaneous remission after evacuation or persistent trophoblastic disease.

MEASUREMENTS: Immunoreactive inhibin, hCG and free hCG beta-subunit were measured using standard enzyme immunoassays.

RESULTS

Inhibin and free hCG beta-subunit levels were greater than in normal pregnant women at the same gestational age. Only intact hCG could detect the persistence of trophoblastic tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that inhibin, intact human chorionic gonadotrophin and free beta-subunit might be useful as diagnostic markers of molar pregnancies. However, the original method of intact hCG determination is still superior for follow-up.