Abstract

Background: A hydatidiform mole is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of syncytiotrophoblast and replacement of normal placental trophoblastic tissue by hydropic placental villi. Numerous studies conducted globally have indicated that the uterine artery doppler index can be employed to monitor and predict post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of uterine artery doppler sonography in hydatidiform mole and assess its predictive value for spontaneous remission.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 31 molar pregnancy patients treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and the Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology – Hue Central Hospital from March 2020 to June 2022.

Results: Post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia developed in 3 out of 31 hydatidiform mole cases. The doppler indices of the low-risk molar pregnancy group (PI 1.77; RI 0.79 and S/D 5.57) were higher than those of the high-risk group (PI 1.48; RI 0.58 and S/D 3.47), p < 0.05. The doppler indices of the spontaneous remission group increased significantly from pre-evacuation (PI 1.75; RI 0.75; S/D 5.00) to post-evacuation (PI 2.50; RI 0.86; S/D 6.80). The cutoff values predicting spontaneous remission were pre-evacuation PI ≥ 1.19 (sensitivity 85.7% and specificity 66.7%) and pre-evacuation RI ≥ 0.47 (sensitivity 96.4% and specificity 66.7%).

Conclusion: Uterine artery doppler sonography can be utilized for the diagnosis and monitoring of molar pregnancy patients in conjunction with serum β-hCG levels.