Can ratio of blood/curettage material HCG be used as a reliable method for differentiating miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy?

Pak J Med Sci. 2013 Sep;29(5):1216-20. doi: 10.12669/pjms.295.3391.

Abstract

Objective : There is an increasing rate of ectopic pregnancy with the use of assisted reproductive techniques. There is currently no serum test to differentiate ectopic pregnancy from miscarriage. Early and accurate detection of ectopic pregnancy may prevent the development of complications. The aim of this study was whether the ratio of serum/curettage material hCG could provide us with reliable and early diagnosis in distinguishing miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies and also to measure the diagnostic accuracy rate of this method.

Methods: A total of 24 patients were evaluated. Twelve of them were diagnosed as an ectopic pregnancy and 12 of them were diagnosed as a miscarriage. All the patients' diagnoses were confirmed pathologically. Non-of the patient had viable fetus. All participants underwent curettage protocol. Serum and curettage material were obtained at the same time. HCG measurements were done from blood and curettage material.

Results: Ratio of Blood/Curettage Material HCG provides fast and reliable results within a few hours with 91.7% accuracy rates.

Conclusion: Ratio of blood/curettage material HCG can be used as a reliable method for differentiating ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

Keywords: Beta-hCG; Curettage; Ectopic pregnancy; Miscarriage.