Objectives:To evaluate serum β-HCG and VEGF concentrations in women with rupture of tubal pregnancy(rTP)

tubal abortion(TA) and spontaneous abortion(SA) at about 6 weeks of gestation.Methods:This was a prospective

case-control study evaluating serum β-HCG and VEGF concentrations among 63 women with the symptom of abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding who subsequently were confirmed rTPs(n=21)

TAs(n=14)

SAs(n=27).One suspected TP proved to be normal intrauterine pregnancy and was excluded.β-HCG

and VEGF were measured by RIA and ELISA methods respectively.Results:The median β-HCG concentrations in rTPs and TAs were statistically higher than that in SAs(3070.70±1069.68

2632.21±840.60

1674.05±727.88mIU/ml respectively

P<0.01

P<0.01).With a cut-off value of >1 880 mIU/ml

serum β-HCG could discriminate TPs from SAs with a sensitivity of 88.6%

a specificity of 66.7% and a positive predictive value of 77.5%.The median VEGF concentration in rTPs was statistically higher than that in TAs and SAs(254.87±78.52

105.81±38.11

118.32±52.94 pg/ml respectively

P<0.01

P<0.01).Based on the combined measurement of serum β-HCG

and with a cut-off value of >179pg/ml

serum VEGF could discriminate rTPs from TAs with a sensitivity of 85.7%

a specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100%.Conclusion:It is a useful marker that the combined measurement of serum β-HCG and VEGF predicts the rupture of tubal pregnancy at about 6 weeks of gestation.