The effect of vitamin A on decreased β-hCG production in molar pregnancy patients

Background: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is defined as a group of disorders; they are characterized by uncontrolled trophoblastic cell proliferation and overproduction of β-HCG. It seems that an inappropriate diet is one of the major risk factors of GTD. Regardless of the size of the uterus, mole depletion by curettage suction is usually the preferred treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin A and curettage suction on the faster reduction of β-hCG level, and faster recovery of disease, consequently. Materials and Methods: In this study case (n=26) and control (n=26) groups received 50,000 IU of vitamin A intramuscularly, before and after curettage. β- hCG was measured weekly and after reaching zero every month for six months. RIA was used for measurement. Results: Vitamin A reduced the level of β-hCG to zero in the patient compared to the control, one week earlier; this effect was statistically significant (P-Value<0.05). One of the members of the control group during follow-up progressed to gestational trophoblastic disease (GTN). There was no significant relationship between ABO blood groups among the two groups (P-Value: 0.9). There was no significant relationship between gravity, parity and hematology parameters between the two groups (P-Value>0.05).Conclusion: Finally, it can be said that vitamin A intake in GTD patients, along with other therapies, can improve the speed of recovery; it can prevent the disease progression. However, it does not prevent progression to GTN, completely. Therefore, further studies are needed in future studies.