Assessment of serum β-hCG and lipid profile in early second trimester as predictors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Objective: To assess and compare the ability of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and serum lipid profile in early second trimester as predictors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: The present hospital-based prospective study was conducted between November 24, 2012, and April 30, 2014, at a tertiary hospital in Mangalore, India. Women of any parity with a pregnancy of 14–20 weeks were included. Venous blood (3 mL) was collected, and serum β-hCG and lipid profile were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an enzymatic colorimetric test with lipid clearing factor, respectively. A cutoff value of β-hCG for predicting hypertensive disorders was obtained by receiver operating curve analysis. Results: Serum β-hCG was significantly higher among women who subsequently developed hypertension (71 142 IU/L [n=27]) than among those who did not (20 541 IU/L [n=137]; P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of serum β-hCG to predict hypertension were 92.6% and 94.9% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 78.1% and 98.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum β-hCG might be used as a predictor of hypertensive disorders that complicate pregnancy. Dyslipidemia was not found to be a useful marker.