The Problems of Management of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasms at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Analysis of 31 cases of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, over a 71/2 year period (1/1/75 to 6/30/82) was carried out. The incidence of this disease was 1:656 deliveries. Although it was more prevalent in grandmultipara, it occurred in all parities and ages. The main clinical features were secondary amenorrhea, vaginal bleeding, uterine enlargement, and vaginal secondaries. The most common gestational antecedent event of gestational trophoblastic disease was a normal pregnancy. This was believed to have contributed to the high overall mortality of 35.5%. Numerous shortcomings during the management of these cases (inadequate laboratory facilities, shortage of reagents, shortage of drugs) were highlighted.