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

Background: This 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).

Methods: In 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.

Results: Concentrations 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).

Conclusions: Maternal 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.