Human chorionic gonadotropin and Testosterone in Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies in Relation to Fetal sex

Abstract

Back ground: The gender related difference
may be the result of pregandiol excretion in the
latter half of pregnancy.
Aim: This study is to evaluate the effects of fetal
gender on serum human chorionic gonadotropin
[HCG] and testosterone in normotensive and
preeclamptic pregnancies
Methods: The study consisted of fifty women with
singleton pergnancy in their third trimester. Twenty
five pregnancies were uncomplicated Among those
there were thirteen male, and twelve female fetuses
Twenty five pregnancies were complicated by
preeclampsia. Among those thirteen were with male,
and twelve were with female fetuses. Human
chorionic gonadotropin and total testosterone were
measured in maternal peripheral blood.
Results: In male bearing pregnancies, maternal
HCG and testosterone serum levels were significantly
higher in preeclamptic than in normotensive mothers.
In female bearing pregnancies, testosterone levels
were significantly higher in preeclamptic than
normotensive mothers, whereas the HCG levels were
not significantly different.Male Bearing preeclamptic
women had significantly higher testosterone levels
than female Bearing preeclamptic women, whereas
the HCG levels were not significantly different. In
uncomplucated pregnancies the HCG levels
significantly higher in female bearing than in male
bearing mothers,
Conclusion: In preeclamptic pregnancies with male
fetuses; the maternal serum HCG levels were
significantly higher than in uncomplicated
pregnancies. Total testosterone level were
significantly higher in pregnancies whether with
male or female fetuses. It was also significantly
higher in male bearing than female bearing
pregnancies. This may indicate an androgen
influence on the pathophysiologic of preeclampsia