Impact of Elevated Serum Beta hCG in the Second Trimester on the Incidence of Induced Hypertension in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in pregnant women with raised serum beta HCG in the second trimester. This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, six months after the approval of the synopsis from April 19 to October 18, 2019. Materials and Methods: All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and visited Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained after the procedure, and the risks and benefits of the study were explained. In our research, detailed history was taken from each patient, and BHCG was done using the CLIA method. Those patients with raised BHCG were included in this study, and blood pressure and proteinuria were examined. Estimation of mid-trimester beta HCG can be used to predict the early development of PIH. All the collected data were entered into the proforma attached at the end and used electronically for research. Results: Mean ± SD of Age was 27.9±5.3 years. Gestational Age was 17.3±4.2 weeks, and serum beta HCG levels were 53,469.3±235.2 mlU/mL. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was observed in 56 (77.8%) patients. Conclusion: It is to be concluded that pregnancy-induced hypertension is found to be significantly high among pregnant women in our population. PIH is associated with maternal Age and perinatal outcomes. The results suggest that pregnant women and members of their families should be urgently educated to understand the importance of antenatal care.