Alpha subunit in gestational trophoblastic disease.

Alpha HCG, estimated after evacuation of hydatidiform mole, was found to follow the decline of beta-HCG. In patients with low-risk non-metastatic gestational disease the alpha-subunit values also followed the beta-HCG values. This indicates no additional value in following alpha-HCG in such patients. Whether alpha-HCG elevation may portend recurrence in treated high-risk cases of metastatic disease in remission with non-detectable beta-HCG remains unresolved by this study.