Background: The aim of the current study was to investigate levels of adenosine deaminase in plasma of patients with hydatidiform mole.
Methods: Plasma adenosine deaminase levels were determined in 17 women with normal pregnant course, in 17 women with hydatidiform mole, and in 17 non-pregnant healthy volunteers.
Results: Mean adenosine deaminase activity in the hydatidiform mole group was 121.5+/-24.8 U/L, significantly higher than in the pregnant control (7.8+/-6.5 U/L; p<0.0001) and non-pregnant control groups (6.4+/-7.4 U/L; p<0.0001). A cutoff level of 40.5 U/L was found, with both sensitivity and specificity of 100%.
Conclusions: Adenosine deaminase may play a role in the development of hydatidiform mole.