HCG is produced in the placenta during pregnancy. In non‑pregnant women, it can also be produced by tumours of the trophoblast, germ cell tumours with trophoblastic components and some non‑trophoblastic tumours. The biological action of hCG serves to maintain the corpus luteum during pregnancy. It also influences steroid production.
The serum of pregnant women contains mainly intact hCG. Elevated values here serve as an indication of chorionic carcinoma, hydatiform mole or multiple pregnancy. Depressed values indicate threatening or missed abortion, ectopic pregnancy, gestosis or intra‑uterine death.
Elevated hCG concentrations not associated with pregnancy are found in patients with other diseases such as tumours of the germ cells, ovaries, bladder, pancreas, stomach, lungs, and liver.
HCG assays detecting the intact hCG plus the free β‑subunit are well established markers as an aid in the management of patients with trophoblastic.
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