Complete moles and non-molar pregnancies with hydropic placental degeneration are both diploid
p57KIP2 immunostaining
Nuclear protein p57KIP2 is only expressed in maternally donated genes
Complete mole - negative
Partial mole - positive (Mirrors presence of maternal component)
Laboratory Examinations
CBC with Differential and platelet counts
Blood typing
Clotting Function studies
Liver Function studies (ALT, AST)
Renal Function studies (BUN and Crea)
Thyroid Function studies (FT4, TSH)
Urinalysis
Preoperative
CBC
Serum beta hCG
Creatinine
Electrolytes
Hepatic aminotransferase levels
TSH, ft4
Blood typing and Rh
Chest X-ray (most recommended imaging)
Consider hygroscopic dilators
Identify possible complications: preeclampsia, hyperthyroidism, anemia, electrolyte depletion (from hyperemesis), and metastatic diseases
Intraoperative
Large bore IV catheters
Regional or general anesthesia
Oxytocin (20 units in 1L)
Other uterotonic: methylergometrine maleate, Carboprost tromethamine, Misoprostol
Karman cannula
Consider sonography machine
Post evacuation
Anti-D immunoglobulin (Rhogam) if RhD negative
Initiate effective contraception
Review pathology report
Serum hCG levels: within 48 hours of evacuation, weekly until detectable then monthly for 6 months, Monthly for 6 months (in partial mole) or 1 year (in complete mole)
Reliable contraceptives
Combination hormonal contraception or injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate
IUDs: not used until hCG levels are undetectable to avoid risk of uterine perforation if there is an invasive mole
Barrier methods: not recommended due to high failure rates
Evaluation of Metastases
CBC, coagulation profiles, renal and liver function, blood type and antibody screen and pre-therapy beta-HCG levels
Chest X-ray, CT of the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis and ultrasound of the pelvis
No metastatic disease found (only focal malignancy)
Chemotherapy - IM methothrexate
Surgical - Hysterectomy
Median time to resolution
Complete mole = 9 weeks
Partial mole = 7 weeks
Maternal deaths from molar pregnancies are rare
Recognition and Treatment of Medical Complications
Anemia
Preeclampsia
Hyperthyroidism
Electrolyte Imbalance
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Pulmonary Insufficiency
DIC
Molar Evacuation
Suction Curettage
Hysterectomy with mole-in-situ
Theca lutein cysts are best left alone; regresses spontaneously (8-12weeks post evacuation)
Identification of Patients at risk for Malignant Degeneration
Advanced Maternal Age >35yo
Gravidity >4
Uterine size >6weeks
Serum b-hCG >100,000mIU/mL
Theca Lutein Cysts >6cm
Any Medical Complication: Pre-eclampsia, thyrotoxicosis, Pulmonary Insufficiency, DIC
Poor compliance to follow-up
Chemoprophylaxis
Methotrexate (IV not orally given) and Actinomycin D
B hCG follow up: one week after molar evacuation then every 2 weeks until normal (5mIU/mL), after 3 consecutive normal levels, once a month x 6months
Contraception: Low dose combined oral contraceptive pill is preferred
Molar Pregnancy Termination
Suction curettage: Preferred treatment regardless of uterine size, Appropriately typed and cross matched blood should be available prior, Oxytocin should be started to limit bleeding, Patient is in semifowlers dorsolithotomy position, Cervix is mechanically dilated, Intraoperative sonography is recommended, Uterotonic agents given if bleeding continues
Hysterectomy in situ: for women who finished child bearing, Theca lutein cysts seen during this procedure do not require removal since they spontaneously regress
Hysterotomy and use of oxytocin or prostaglandin (Misoprostol) are not recommended due to risk of significant hemorrhage, higher incidence of post molar GTD, incomplete evacuation, and need for blood
Indications for Immediate Referral to a Trophoblastic Disease Specialist
High BhCG beyond 4 weeks post evacuation (serum; 20,000mIU/mL; urine: 30,000mIU/mL)
Persistently elevated BhCG at 14weeks post evacuation
A rise in BhCGof 10% or greater (two consecutive determinations)
Plateauing of BhCG (<10% fall or rise) at any time after evacuation (minimum of 3 consecutive determinations)
Clinical or histological evidence of metastasis at any site
Elevation of a previously normal BhCG after evacuation, provided not pregnant
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
Malignant form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)
Aggressive invasion into myometrium and propensity to metastasize
Irregular bleeding with uterine sub-involution = most common finding
Incidence
Europe and South America: 1/40,000 pregnancies
Southeast Asian: 3.3-9.2/40,000 pregnancies
Philippine National Prevalence Rate: 22.4/40,000 pregnancies