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1. Persistent elevation of BHCG-levels in a patient with stage 5D Chronic Kidney Disease

Published in: Journal of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa
Volume 20 , issue 1 , 2015 , pages: 38–46

DOI: 10.1080/16089677.2015.1074448

Author(s): Y Hayden Department of Chemical Pathology, University of the Free State/National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa , E Bezuidenhout Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, South Africa , W de Lange Metabolic Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, South Africa , O Van Schalkwyk Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, South Africa

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Abstract

Introduction and aim: A 24 year old female with Stage 5D chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with persistent positive BHCG levels. BHCG elevation causes include pregnancy, pituitary production, hydatidiform mole, persistent trophoblast disease, malignancies and false positive hCG. Variants of the hCG molecule has been identified and includes sulfated hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG, hCG free β-subunit and hyperglycosylated hCG free β-subunit. Different hCG fractions are generated depending on the disease process. Isolated cases of falsely raised BHCG in both men and women with CKD have been reported. Origin of hCG has been attributed to pituitary production, coupled with CKD impairing metabolism and clearance of hCG.

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