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Gestational trophoblastic diseases in Nigeria: a multicentered, histopathological study


HA Nggada
M Odike
BA Ojo

Abstract

Background: Gestational trophoblastic diseases are common in Nigeria especially among the reproductive age group.

Objective: This study aimed at identifying the age distribution and risk factors, and classifying the histopathological patterns of GTDs in Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective study of GTDs carried out in the histopathology laboratory of three tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, namely: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital; University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and Nnmadi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi from January 1993 to May 2004 inclusive. Case records of all GTDs diagnosed in all the three pathology departments were retrieved and evaluated with respect to age, risk factors and histopathological types.

Results: There were a total of 186 cases of GTDs. The peak age group was the 3rd decade of life, with a mean age of 27.65years (7.6±SD). Of the 92 patients, the common risk factors was oral contraceptive (69); previous history of GTDs (13); nulliparous (37) and multiparous (13). The commonest histopathological type of GTDs was partial mole with 120 cases (64.5 %), followed by choriocarcinoma 40 cases (21.5 %), complete mole 24 cases (12.9 %) and invasive mole 2 cases (1.1 %). The benign lesions were common and accounted for 78.5% while the malignant lesions accounted for 21.5 % of all cases of GTDs.

Conclusion: GTDs are relatively common in relation to diseases of the female genital tracts in Nigeria and the common presentation is the 3rd and 4th decades of life. Nulliparity and oral contraceptives are the common risk factors. However, the most frequent histopathologic pattern of GTDs is partial mole. The prognosis of GTDs is generally good when early diagnosis; proper management with good follow-up is instituted. We employ all clinicians and the laboratories to readily provide the services of serum beta-hCG levels in managing these patients so that they can get the best health care services.

Keywords: gestational trophoblastic diseases, histopathologic patterns, multicentered study

Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 3(2) 2005: 81-86

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