Levels of serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin after embryo transfer and subsequent miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine maternal serum concentration of β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) on Day 16 after embryo transfer and risk of miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).MethodsIn this study, we evaluated 125 pregnancies following in vitro fertilization (IVF). β‐hCG concentrations were measured on the morning of Day 16 after embryo transfer. Baseline characteristics of the study participants were also recorded.ResultsConcentrations of β‐hCG on Day 16 after embryo transfer were inversely associated with the higher risk of miscarriage (p < 0.001), but did not with pre‐eclampsia and IUGR (p > 0.05). Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a reverse and significant association between β‐hCG and higher risk of miscarriage (σ = 0.531 and p < 0.001). There was a significant association between frozen embryo transfer and the risk of IUGR and pre‐eclampsia (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023, respectively).ConclusionsMaternal serum concentrations of β‐hCG on Day 16 after IVF/embryo transfer were associated with the higher risk of miscarriage, but not pre‐eclampsia and IUGR.