Is adolescence a risk factor for the development of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia?

Abstract

Is adolescence a risk factor for the development of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia? Abstract: Introduction: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is more prevalent in the extremes of the reproductive age group. Because pregnancy in adolescence is a common event in developing countries such as Brazil, GTD is expected to be more frequently associated with adolescent pregnancy in these countries. Objective: To assess GTD incidence and natural history, as well as the behavior of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia among adolescents. Methods: This observational, retrospective and comparative study will include GTD patients receiving follow up care between 1990 and 2008, at two Trophoblastic Diseases referral centers (São Paulo State University and Central University of Venezuela). The following variables will be investigated: age, number of previous gestations, parity, GTD clinical form, baseline hCG, diagnostic method used, uterine evacuation method, symptoms, course of the disease, loss to follow up and post-molar follow up length. Pregnancies following GTD will also be evaluated. In order to compare GTD clinical components, GTD course, and trophoblastic neoplasia behavior in adolescents, a group including GTD patients aged between 20 and 35 years will be used. Study results will be analyzed with Epi-Info 2000 for Windows. A descriptive (mean and proportion) and analytic method will be employed considering p<0.05 as significant (S) and p>0.05 as non-significant (NS) with a 95% confidence interval. (AU)