Efficacy of a Single 5,000 IU Dose of HCG in Enhancing Pregnancy Outcomes During Early Gestational Period
Shamsun Nahar Shapna
Junior Consultant Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Railway General Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh Email: shamsunnaharshapna19@gmail.com
Sakti Das
Professor Department of Gynecology Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh
Khadiza Begum
Senior Medical Officer Salauddin Specialized Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh
Keywords: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Early pregnancy,
Miscarriage, Hormonal supplementation.
Abstract
Background:
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) has an important role in
maintaining early pregnancy and has been studied to improve
pregnancy outcomes.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a single 5,000 IU dose of
HCG in improving early pregnancy outcomes for women at risk of
complications.
Methods:
This prospective study was conducted at the Salauddin Specialized
Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to January 2024 on
120 pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy at 6 weeks
without cardiac pulsation and positive β-hCG levels. They were
randomly divided into two groups: the HCG group (n=60), which
received 5,000 IU of intramuscular HCG, and the control group (n=60),
who received standard care. The main outcomes included ongoing
pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates, positive HCG levels, fetal heartbeat
detection at 8 weeks, and hormone levels measured on day 5 after the
injection.
Results:
The ongoing pregnancy rates were higher in the HCG group compared
to the control group (86.7% vs. 70.0%, p=0.03). The miscarriage rate
was lower in the HCG group (13.3% vs. 30.0%, p=0.03). Those who
received HCG also had a higher chance of fetal cardiac pulsation
positivity (83.3% vs. 66.7%, p=0.04) and a lower incidence of
threatened abortion (10.0% vs. 23.3%, p=0.05). Biochemical analysis
revealed higher levels of β-hCG (>1,500 IU/L; 91.7% vs. 71.7%,
p=0.01) and progesterone (>10 ng/mL; 83.3% vs. 65.0%, p=0.02). We
found weak-to-moderate correlations (r=0.25–0.34, p<0.05) linking
HCG to positive outcomes, indicating its role in maintaining pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Administering a single dose of HCG significantly improved early
pregnancy (at 6 weeks without cardiac pulsation and positive β-hCG
levels) outcomes by providing better hormonal support and reducing
complications. These results suggest that HCG supplementation may be
helpful for women at risk of early pregnancy loss, though further
large-scale studies are necessary
J Rang Med Col. September 2025; Vol.10, No.2:115-120