AbstractContext: If it is possible to predict PIH, then its prevention can be undertaken. In this direction many attempts have been made to find out a suitable test which can predict the occurrence of PIH in pregnancy, but till date such type of test was not found. Aims: To study the role of maternal serum beta human chorionic gonadotropins as a predictor for pregnancy induced hypertension. Settings and Design: Hospital based follow up study carried out at Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimanagar. Methods and Material: Present study was carried out among women of 1320 weeks gestation. They were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 90 normotensive women and group II consisted of 10 women with Pregnancy induced hypertension. Maternal serum beta hCG was measured and mean values were compared in both the groups. Statistical Analysis: Chi square test was applied to study significance of difference between proportions and t test was used to study significance of difference between mean values. Results: It is found that severity of PIH correlated with serum beta hCG levels in hypertensive patients. The mean serum beta hCG levels were significantly higher in PIH group compared to normotensive group. The sensitivity of beta hCG in predicting occurrence of PIH was 100%, specificity was 97.7%, positive predictive value was 83.3% and negative predictive value was 100%. Women with > 2 MOM of beta hCG had 6 times more risk of having PIH compared to women with beta hCG < 2 MOM. The mean Serum beta hCG for low birth weight, IUGR and preterm delivery was significantly higher in PIH group compared to normotensive group. Conclusion: Early detection by screening tests and appropriate treatment may prolong pregnancy long enough to ensure a satisfactory outcome for both mother and fetus. Serum beta hCG levels were found to be effective in early prediction of PIH.
Keywords: IUGR; Beta hCG Levels; Normotensive.