The predictive value of a single, early human chorionic gonadotropin measurement and the influence of maternal age on pregnancy outcome in an infertile population

A single early quantitative hCG measurement 16 to 18 days after timed insemination has prognostic value with regard to pregnancy outcome in an asymptomatic, infertile population. Further, there is a statistically significant difference in the predictive value for hCG levels in patients less than or equal to 35 years compared with patients greater than 35 years of age. Interestingly, the same age-dependent phenomenon was observed when analyzing the predictive value of sonographically detected fetal heart motion at 5 weeks post-ovulation. We suggest that any investigation on pregnancy outcome, or its prediction should consider the impact of maternal age as a potentially significant covariate.