B-HCG Levels in Women Diagnosed With Retained Products of Conception

Plain-language summary

Retained Products of Conception (RPOC) is a condition where gestational tissue remains in the uterus after birth or after a surgical or medical abortion. This condition may cause significant bleeding, infection, and long-term intrauterine adhesions associated with fertility problems and pregnancy complications (Asherman's syndrome). RPOC are diagnosed according to the clinical and ultrasound findings (such as an echogenic foci in the uterine cavity with Doppler blood flows). However, the diagnosis of RPOC by clinic and ultrasound characteristics is inaccurate and false positive results are reported in up to 40% of women undergoing a surgical procedure for RPOC removal (most often by hysterosocpy). However, surgery also carries a risk of complications and intrauterine infections. Therefore, the need arises for additional tools to improve the diagnosis available today in order to minimize the need for surgical procedures as much as possible. The production and secretion of the B-HCG occurs in the placenta and begins after blastocyst implantation. The B-HCG levels increase in other placental pathologies such as gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Accordingly, the investigators hypothesized that in cases of placental remnants a secretion of B-HCG may be detected and quantified. In this prospective, non-interventional study the investigators' aim is to examine whether B-HCG can be used as a marker for detecting placental remnants, compared to the currently accepted sonographic method. For this purpose, the investigators will examine the levels of B-HCG in participants undergoing hysteroscopy for removal of RPOC.

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