Gestational trophoblastic disease. Subsequent pregnancy outcome, including repeat molar pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To determine subsequent reproductive outcomes in patients treated for partial molar pregnancy, complete molar pregnancy and persistent gestational trophoblastic tumors at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) between June 1, 1965, and December 31, 1996.

Study design: Questionnaires were mailed to all patients followed at the NETDC to assess subsequent pregnancy experience. All patients and their referring physicians were also requested to inform the NETDC about later pregnancies.

Results: Following partial mole, complete mole and persistent gestational trophoblastic tumor, our patients had 195, 1,234 and 504 later pregnancies, respectively. These patients had a later pregnancy experience comparable to that of the general population. However, after having one molar pregnancy, the risk of molar pregnancy in a later conception was about 1%. Twenty-nine of our patients had at least two episodes of molar pregnancy; following two episodes of molar pregnancy, 6 (23.1%) of 26 later conceptions resulted in another molar gestation.

Conclusion: Patients with partial mole, complete mole and persistent gestational trophoblastic tumor can be reassured that in general they can anticipate a normal future reproductive outcome.