Serum progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies and the value of progesterone replacement in intrauterine pregnancies when serum progesterone levels are low
Choe, J.K.; Check, J.H.; Nowroozi, K.; Benveniste, R.; Barnea, E.R.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation 34(3): 133-138
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0378-7346 PMID: 1427411 DOI: 10.1159/000292745Document Number: 437900
The corpus luteum function was evaluated in patients with surgically confirmed ectopic pregnancy (EP) in a multicenter study. In addition, the minimal threshold of serum progesterone (P) concentration required for salvaging intrauterine pregnancies (IUP) was also examined. Results show that single P or 17-OHP measurements are not diagnostic for EP, since mean P levels in EP were similar to those with spontaneous abortion though significantly lower than those in controls. 17-OHP levels in EP overlapped in 50% with IUP, and the mean levels were significantly lower only at 6-7 weeks. The 17-OHP levels when compared to hCG supports the view that corpus luteum defect is primary. In IUP, P levels < 8 ng/ml still were associated with viable (60%) pregnancy; thus no minimal threshold could be established.