Abnormally low hCG in a complete hydatidiform molar pregnancy: The hook effect

doi:10.1016/j.gynor.2011.10.003

Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports

Volume 1, Issue 1, December 2011, Pages 6-7

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gynor.2011.10.003 Get rights and content

Under a Creative Commons license

open access

Highlights

► The hook effect occurs with extremely high levels of hCG, saturating detection antibodies, leading to falsely low laboratory results. ► In the literature, descriptions of the hook effect are rare in cases of gestational trophoblastic diseases. ► If unrecognized, this can lead to delayed therapy or mismanagement of care.

Keywords

Hook effect

Molar pregnancy

Falsely low hCG