Hydatidiform mole in Aminu Kano teaching hospital, northwestern Nigeria: a five year review.

Background: Hydatidiform mole is a benign tumour of the trophoblast tissue and a relatively common gynaecological emergency. It could resolve spontaneously following evacuation, however 9-20% of patients with complete hydatidiform mole go on to have gestational trophoblast neoplasia. It is potentially curable once the correct diagnosis is made and the treatment is commenced early.Objective: This study is aimed at determining the incidence of hydatidiform mole in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), its age distribution, complication and outcomeStudy Design: A retrospective review of case of hydatidiform mole managed in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between 1st January, 2009 and 31st December, 2012. Patients' information were obtained from gynaecology ward admission record book, and patient files were retrieved from the record department and data analysed using SPSS version 11.Result: 87 cases of hydatidiform mole were managed during the study period. 57 cases were retrieved and analysed with a retrieval rate of 66%. The mean age of the was 30.42(SD7.8). The incidence of hydatidiform mole in this study is 1 in 260 deliveries. The mean parity was 3.68 (SD 2.69). The commonest presentation was vaginal bleeding (47.4%). Half of the patients (52.6%) had preevacuation serum beta HCG and only 21.1% had beta HCG estimation at six weeks post evacuation. The only complication was severe vaginal bleeding requiring blood transfusion (10.5%). 10.5% of the cases progressed to choriocarcinoma.Conclusion: Hydatidiform mole remains a common premalignant lesion of the female genital tract. Early diagnosis and strict follow ups with relevant investigation is necessary for early detection of progression to choriocarcinoma.Keywords: hydatidiform mole, incidence, complications, Kan