[Diagnostic value of determining chorionic gonadotropin and trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein in trophoblastic disease]

Abstract

The diagnostic value of determinations of the levels of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and trophoblastic beta 1-glycoprotein (TBG) was studied in 160 cases of trophoblastic disease. Trophoblastic disease was diagnosed in 86% of cases, when HCG level was determined immunologically and in 100 % -- by radioimmunological means and in 86 and 33% when TBG level was established by immunoradioautographical and immunodiffusion methods, respectively. The results of HCG and TBG assays by immunological and immunoradioautographical methods matched in 96% of cases. The said methods are highly specific and may find a wide application in diagnosing trophoblastic disease. The radioimmunological method of HCG assay is the most sensitive. However, in view of possible HCG synthesis in cases of other tumor, its application should be preferred in assessing the efficacy of therapy rather than for primary diagnosis of trophoblastic disease.