Molar Pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)
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.
- Authors
Caroline Joyce, Susan Dineen, Keelin O'Donoghue, Brendan Fitzgerald
- Year
- 2024
- Journal Name
- Journal of Clinical Pathology
- Category
- Journal Article
- Keywords
- Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
- Project
- Full Citation
Joyce CM, Wakefield C, Chen-Maxwell D, Dineen S, Kenneally C, Downey P, Duffy C, O'Donoghue K, Coulter J, Fitzgerald B. Appraisal of hydatidiform mole incidence and registration rates in Ireland following the establishment of a National Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Registry. Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp-2023-209270.
- Link to Publication
- https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp-2023-209270
Abstract
This study examined the incidence of hydatidiform moles (HMs) in Ireland and assessed the registration of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) cases, including HM, with the National GTD Registry. Records of HMs diagnosed at our hospital from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed and Irish pathology laboratories were surveyed for their 2019 HM diagnoses. The incidence of HMs was compared locally, nationally and internationally. At our hospital, 87 HMs were identified in 1856 pregnancy tissue samples, giving a local rate of 3.92 HMs per 1000 births. Nationally, 170 HMs were reported in 6008 samples, with a rate of 2.86 HMs per 1000 births. The HM diagnostic rate in Cork was 37% higher than the national rate, with partial HMs 64% higher. This study shows that HMs are more frequent in Ireland than previously reported. Local diagnostic rates are also higher than national figures, likely due to differences in laboratory testing methods. It is concerning that nearly half of the cases were not reported to the National GTD Registry, potentially impacting clinical management. This research highlights the need for standardised testing and improved registration to ensure optimum care for Irish women with GTD.