RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Is normal β-hCG regression curve helpful in the diagnosis of persistent trophoblastic disease? JF International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer JO Int J Gynecol Cancer FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 980 OP 983 DO 10.1136/ijgc-00009577-200409000-00035 VO 14 IS 5 A1 N. Behtash A1 F. Ghaemmaghami A1 H. Honar A1 K. Riazi A1 A. Nori A1 M. Modares A1 A. Mousavi YR 2004 UL http://ijgc.bmj.com/content/14/5/980.abstract AB Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the probable usefulness of normal β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) regression curve in the diagnosis of persistent trophoblastic disease (PTD).Methods A log-value regression curve was developed from the means and 95% confidence limits of serial weekly serum β-hCG titers of 43 patients with uneventful complete hydatidiform moles and 14 patients, who were previously confirmed as PTD.Results All 14 PTD patients (100%) had abnormal values, beyond normal range, within 4 weeks. β-hCG was in its upper values, compared to normal regression curve at 2.29 ± 0.19 weeks. This was earlier than plateau or rise detection at 4.21 ± 0.33 weeks (P < 0.001). Within 3 weeks of evacuation, 13 of 14 (92.86%) PTD patients' β-hCG values exceeded the normal range, whereas only six of 14 (42%) showed a rise or plateau.Conclusion Our finding indicates that the normal β-hCG regression curve may be useful for quicker detection of PTD than the plateau or rise of level.