Objective: To study the association between midtrimester triple-test levels and renal function in pregnant women with chronic hypertension.
Methods: Forty-three patients with chronic hypertension for whom renal function was evaluated by the creatinine clearance test between 14- and 20-weeks gestation were studied. Midtrimester triple-test values obtained as part of Down screening program were correlated with renal function.
Results: hCG correlated inversely with creatinine clearance (r = -0.345; p = 0.002) and directly with alpha-fetoprotein (r = 0.499; p = 0.003).
Conclusions: In pregnant women with chronic hypertension, impaired renal function may alter midtrimester maternal serum hCG levels.
Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.