Persistently elevated serum concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

What is it about?

hCG immunoreactivity in serum and urine is occasionally increased without any apparent reason. This may be ascribed to a rare familial hCG syndrome, diagnosis of which is challenging. The correct diagnosis is important, because the elevation of hCG causes suspicion of ectopic pregnancy or cancer and consequently may expose the patients to unnecessary harsh treatments. Specific assays for different forms of hCG, as we have used, is an important aid in identifying these cases.

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