The postpartum course of the HCG titer of maternal blood and its clinical relevance

: In 62 postpartum patients serial beta-HCG-measurements were performed. These tests show that beta-HCG should disappear entirely during the third week postpartum. Significant titers beyond this time are seen when placental tissue remains in utero. This condition may lead to late postpartum hemorrhage which is best treated by curettage. If there is only mild bleeding and beta-HCG-titers are negative, a hormonal curettage with subsequent estrogen administration (3 weeks) can be performed. In doing so, unnecessary and potentially harmful intrauterine manipulations can be avoided.