PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 10, No. 1, April 2026
Pages 668-674
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/6202/01.0150
The Relationship between Second Trimester Maternal Serum BhCG Levels and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome in a Tertiary Care Centre
Boysungni E. Zaro1*, Constance E. Shehu1, Panti A. Abubakar2, Muhammad B. AbdulRahman2, Jamila Garba1, Abdullahi A. Habib3
1Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
2Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
3Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Background: The first trimester serves as a crucial screening period for identifying patients at risk for Down syn-drome. Elevated second-trimester maternal serum β-human Chorionic Gonadotropin (βhCG) levels were initially intro-duced to detect trisomy 21 and various complications such as neural tube defects, ectopic pregnancy, and preeclampsia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between elevated βhCG levels and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes among women receiving antenatal care at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
Methods: It was a prospective study involving three hundred and fourteen (314) pregnant women attending ante-natal care, who completed a structured questionnaire. A Nuchal Translucency (NT). A scan was performed between 11 and 13+6 weeks, followed by βhCG level assessments at 16-18 weeks. Patients were monitored until delivery, and any adverse outcomes were documented. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 29.0, applying the Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests for statistical significance, with a p-value of less than 0.05 deemed significant.
Results: Results indicated that 311 (99.0%) of participants had normal ultrasound findings, while 3 (1.0%) showed fetal congenital anomalies, primarily hydrocephalus. The mean βhCG level recorded was 1.11 MoM. Most patients expe-rienced spontaneous vaginal deliveries (270, 86.0%), while 44 (14.0%) underwent cesarean sections. Elevated maternal βhCG levels were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including increased rates of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, abruptio placentae, and congenital anomalies. Women with elevated βhCG had a higher likelihood of both maternal and fetal complications and a markedly lower proportion of uneventful pregnancies compared to those with normal βhCG levels (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant association between elevated maternal βhCG levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings support the use of βhCG as a valuable early screening marker for identifying pregnancies at increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, thereby aiding timely intervention and improved prenatal care.