Malignant sequelae of molar pregnancy in Victoria.

In a retrospective study of 455 patients with confirmed molar pregnancy, registered with the Hydatidiform Mole Register of the State of Victoria in the years 1973-1982 inclusive, treatment for persistent trophoblastic activity was necessary in 62 (13.6%) patients. The need for treatment was independent of levels of urinary chorionic gonadotrophin (UCG) excretion prior to evacuation of the molar pregnancy, age, parity or blood group. All patients achieved initial remission of UCG levels within 5 courses of treatment. Risk factors were scored retrospectively and patients responded poorly if therapy inappropriate to risk factors was given. Only 2 cases of histologically proven choriocarcinoma occurred and the only death recorded was in 1 of these patients.