Assessing the Role of Serum β-hCG Levels as a Predictor of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) poses a serious risk to pregnant women and is associated with severe outcomes for both mother and fetus. The present study examined the link between serum β-hCG levels and the likelihood of developing PIH, with the goal of identifying elevated β-hCG as an early indicator for PIH.

This cross-sectional study involved 100 pregnant women aged 20 to 40 years, between 14 to 19 weeks of gestation. Participants were categorised by age, socioeconomic status, and occupation. Blood pressure and β-hCG levels were measured and analyzed.

The outcome demonstrated:

The average age of participants was 27.6 years, with 53% of women had gestational age of 18 weeks at delivery.
Normal blood pressure was recorded in 61% of the women, while 39% were at risk for PIH, categorized as mild, moderate, or severe PIH.
A correlation was found between higher serum β-hCG levels and the severity of PIH.
Additionally, patients with PIH exhibited significant pedal edema and proteinuria, which influenced their blood pressure and β-hCG levels.

To conclude, increased β-hCG levels can be considered as an early predictor of PIH, allowing for timely interventions. Regular monitoring of β-hCG could enhance prenatal care and improve outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Source: Sansare S, Kulkarni M M, Kulkarni J, Kathpalia S, Early prediction of gestational hypertension using β-hCG Levels: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital of Maharashtra, India. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res 2025;12(1):16-20.

IJCP Editorial Team

Comprising seasoned professionals and experts from the medical field, the IJCP editorial team is dedicated to delivering timely and accurate content and thriving to provide attention-grabbing information for the readers. What sets them apart are their diverse expertise, spanning academia, research, and clinical practice, and their dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, the IJCP editorial team strives to provide valuable perspectives, the latest trends, and in-depth analyses across various medical domains, all in a way that keeps you interested and engaged.