Molar Pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)
Molar pregnancy
Molar pregnancy, also known as Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, is a rare disorder affecting one in 600 pregnancies. Most molar pregnancies resolve following uterine evacuation but a small number progress to malignant disease requiring chemotherapy.
Our research in this area
- Methods for diagnosing and monitoring molar pregnancy
- Women’s experiences of molar pregnancy
Key publications
Category | Category | Keywords | Year | Title | Abstract | Actions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Early pregnancy / Early pregnancy loss, Ectopic pregnancy, First-trimester miscarriage, Miscarriage, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Pregnancy loss, Second-trimester miscarriage, Termination of pregnancy | 2025 |
Workplace supports for early pregnancy loss: A scoping review of international literature |
Our scoping review found a lack of empirical research on workplace supports and experiences of pregnancy loss before viability. Further research is needed to understand workers’ experiences and to develop and implement appropriate supports. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Early pregnancy / Early pregnancy loss, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
Proof-of-concept study: Remote capillary blood collection for hCG analysis in early pregnancy |
Capillary blood collection, commonly used in diabetes care, shows promise for monitoring early pregnancy. This study confirms the reliability of capillary samples for hCG testing, with 77% of participants finding the device easy to use and 80% willing to use it for future tests. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Early pregnancy / Early pregnancy loss, Ectopic pregnancy, First-trimester miscarriage, Miscarriage, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Pregnancy loss, Second-trimester miscarriage, Termination of pregnancy | 2024 |
Statutory leave for early pregnancy loss: A comparative study |
Our study identified two main approaches to leave introduced for pregnancy loss before viability: sick leave model and compassionate leave model. What works in individual jurisdictions will depend-among other factors-on the way in which leave more broadly is addressed. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
When to consult a geneticist specialising in gestational trophoblastic disease |
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) diagnosis can be challenging. This study highlights the value of genetic tests like STR genotyping, p57 staining, and NGS in distinguishing HMs, identifying risks, and improving patient care. Emerging tests offer new diagnostic potential. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
Measurement of hCG in women with gestational trophoblastic disease |
This study surveyed hCG testing practice for gestational trophoblastic disease across Europe and found significant variability. Challenges like assay limitations & test interference highlight the need for standardised, quality-assured hCG testing to improve patient care. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
Appraisal of hydatidiform mole incidence and registration rates in Ireland following the establishment of a National Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Registry |
Hydatidiform moles are more common in Ireland than previously reported, with local diagnostic rates 37% higher than national rates. Nearly half of all cases are unregistered posing a risk. Standardised testing & improved reporting are critical for optimum GTD management. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
Morphology combined with HER2 D-DISH ploidy analysis to diagnose partial hydatidiform mole: an evaluation audit using molecular genotyping |
Hydatidiform moles (HMs) are abnormal pregnancies often needing genetic tests for diagnosis. This study found HER2 D-DISH ploidy analysis was as reliable as DNA genotyping for partial HMs. Accurate classification is vital for patient management and recording HM incidence. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
Novel scoring system provides high separation of diploidy and triploidy to aid partial hydatidiform mole diagnosis: an adaption of HER2 D-DISH for ploidy analysis |
Diagnosing molar pregnancy in early gestation can be challenging due to overlapping clinical and histopathological features. We adapted the HER2 D-DISH assay to create a novel method of counting chromosomes in pregnancy tissue, to improve the accuracy of pathological diagnosis. | More details Read publication |
Report |
Report | Early pregnancy / Early pregnancy loss, Ectopic pregnancy,Experience, Fatal fetal anomaly, First-trimester miscarriage, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Second-trimester miscarriage, Termination of pregnancy | 2024 |
PLACES | Pregnancy Loss (under 24 weeks) in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms |
A report submitted to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in fulfilment of the requirements of the tender for the provision of a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of people dealing with pregnancy loss. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2024 |
Practical guidelines of the EOTTD for pathological and genetic diagnosis of hydatidiform moles |
New guidelines from the Pathology and Genetics Working Party of the European Organisation for Treatment of Trophoblastic Diseases that describe the pathological criteria and ancillary techniques that can be used in the differential diagnosis of hydatidiform moles. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2023 |
Challenging gestational trophoblastic disease cases and mimics: An exemplar for the management of rare tumours |
Monitoring and treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease is challenging and provides an exemplar for the management of rare tumours. Mandatory registration with a specialist unit would ensure equity of access for all patients to the myriad of supports and services required. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2022 |
Advances in the diagnosis and early management of gestational trophoblastic disease |
Early identification of women with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease is paramount as this disorder is highly curable. | More details Read publication |
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Awareness / Knowledge, Experience, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | 2022 |
Experience of women on the Irish National Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Registry |
There is a knowledge gap in molar pregnancy amongst healthcare professionals which should be factored into future medical and nursing curricula. | More details Read publication |
Our people
- Professor Keelin O’Donoghue
- Dr Brendan Fitzgerald
- Dr Caroline Joyce