Different maternal serum hCG levels in pregnant women with female and male fetuses: does fetal hypophyseal adrenal gonadal axis play a role?

Gol M., ALTUNYURT S., Cimrin D., Guclu S., Bagci M., Demir N.

JOURNAL OF PERINATAL MEDICINE, vol.32, no.4, pp.342-345, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1515/jpm.2004.064
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF PERINATAL MEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.342-345
  • Keywords: fetal, gender, hCG, hormones, maternal, HUMAN CHORIONIC-GONADOTROPIN, SEX, PROGESTERONE, ESTRIOL, BLOOD, TRIMESTER, PROLACTIN, ESTRADIOL
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Fetal gender has a significant effect on maternal and cord blood hCG levels, particularly during the last trimester of the pregnancy. However, the reason for this difference is obscure. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether term fetal hypophyseal adrenal gonadal axis differs between female and male fetuses thereby causing different hCG levels. The study consisted of 60 women with singleton pregnancies in the third trimester. Thirtyone pregnant women were carrying female fetuses, whereas 29 were carrying male. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosteronsulfate (DHEAS), prolactin and growth hormone levels were measured in maternal serum and umbilical cord blood.