Predictive Value of Free beta-hCG Multiple of the Median for Women with Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is relatively common and is unpredictable in its onset and progression. Aims: We investigated the clinical value of using the multiple of the median (MoM) of free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) concentrations in women with normal pregnancy and PE. Methods: This study was based on a dataset available from published studies, and the relevant studies were retrieved from multiple electronic databases. Data were extracted from case-control studies; a random-effects model was employed, and standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Twelve case-control studies (eleven English-based articles and one Chinese-based article) were analyzed in the current meta-analysis and included 702 patients with PE and 8,233 women with normal pregnancies. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a higher MoM of beta-hCG serum levels in patients with PE. Ethnicity subgroup analysis showed that the MoM of serum beta-hCG levels was significantly higher in women with PE in both Asian and Caucasian populations. Conclusion: The MoM of beta-hCG serum levels was significantly increased in women with PE compared to women with normal pregnancies. Screening for serum beta-hCG MoM levels will be helpful in the early identification of pregnancies at risk of developing PE. (C) 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel