The Predictive Value of Early β-hCG Levels After Embryo Transfer in In Vitro Fertilization Treatment


Gürbüz E., Balcı M., Köse C., ŞAHİN GÜLEÇ E., Kasap E., Demir A.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, cilt.29, sa.1, ss.66-71, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 29 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_124_25
  • Dergi Adı: Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.66-71
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: beta-hCG, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, live birth
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Early serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels are commonly used to assess pregnancy viability following in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, their predictive value for live birth remains uncertain. Aim: This study evaluates the predictive value of early β-hCG levels on post-transfer days 12 and 14 in determining live birth outcomes after IVF. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 755 women who underwent IVF between 2017 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Serum β-hCG levels were measured on post-transfer days 12 and 14. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined optimal β-hCG cutoff values for predicting live birth. Results: Among participants, 414 (54.8%) achieved live birth. Mean β-hCG levels on day 12 were significantly higher in the live birth group (554.5 ± 378.4 mIU/mL) compared to the non-live birth group (208.0 ± 162.5 mIU/mL, P < 0.001). On day 14, levels remained elevated in live birth cases (1466.8 ± 890.3 mIU/mL vs. 570.0 ± 452.8 mIU/mL, P < 0.001). The rate of β-hCG increase was also greater in the live birth group (P < 0.001). ROC analysis identified cutoffs of 205.5 mIU/mL on day 12 (72.4% sensitivity, 72.3% specificity) and 535 mIU/mL on day 14 (71.4% sensitivity, 71.3% specificity). Conclusion: Early β-hCG levels are strong predictors of live birth following IVF. Establishing clinical thresholds may enhance early pregnancy assessment and patient counseling.