After surgical evacuation of a molar pregnancy, how frequently should serial hCG levels be checked until they are undetectable?

After surgical evacuation of a molar pregnancy, how frequently should serial hCG levels be checked until they are undetectable?

• A. Monthly
• B. Every six weeks
• C. Annually
• D. Weekly

Answer: (D)

Monitoring hCG after evacuation of a molar pregnancy is essential because persistent trophoblastic tissue can keep producing hormone. Because hCG levels decline slowly and a rise or plateau would indicate persistent disease, checking the level weekly provides the quickest, safest way to detect any remaining tissue early. If the hCG becomes undetectable, you’ve achieved remission, and the surveillance plan then shifts to less frequent checks. Weekly testing until you reach an undetectable level minimizes the risk of missing persistent GTD, making it the best approach among the options.

Monitoring hCG after evacuation of a molar pregnancy is essential because persistent trophoblastic tissue can keep producing hormone. Because hCG levels decline slowly and a rise or plateau would indicate persistent disease, checking the level weekly provides the quickest, safest way to detect any remaining tissue early. If the hCG becomes undetectable, you’ve achieved remission, and the surveillance plan then shifts to less frequent checks. Weekly testing until you reach an undetectable level minimizes the risk of missing persistent GTD, making it the best approach among the options.