Diagnostics · Hormone Testing
Abstract
Objective
To examine the structure and metabolism of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the effect of molecular heterogeneity on the immunodiagnosis and monitoring of gestational trophoblastic disease.
Study Design
A review of the current medical literature concerning measurement of hCG and hCG-related molecules.
Results
hCG molecules in gestational trophoblastic disease are more heterogeneous or degraded in serum and urine samples than in normal pregnancy.
Conclusion
Appropriate measurement and monitoring of hCG levels in gestational trophoblastic disease require an understanding of hCG structure and metabolism.
Topics
Keywords
Biomarkers/blood/urine, Chorionic Gonadotropin/analysis/chemistry/metabolism/physiology, Circadian Rhythm, Epitopes/immunology, Female, Humans, Pregnancy/blood/physiology/urine, Reagent Kits, Diagnostic, Reproducibility of Results, Trophoblastic Neoplasms/blood/urine, Uterine Neoplasms/blood/urine, Biomarkers, Chorionic Gonadotropin, Epitopes, Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
