Inflammatory markers in pregnancy - little help?

[Captain Planet]

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Hey everyone, i'm sorry to post here but i'm not sure who else to ask...
I'm currently studying for my "women and children" rotation in medschool. one of the exam questions asks:
"what would be your differential diagnosis if a 25yr old female presented with abdominal pain AND:
1. +ve pregnancy test and normal inflammatory markers
2. +ve pregnancy test and raised inflammatory markers
3. -ve pregnancy test and normal inflammatory markers
4. -ve pregnancy test and raised inflammatory markers

I can't really find definitive answers for these combinations (most likely reason for that is i'm stupid). My understanding is:
1. pregnant (although there can be a mild increase in inflammatory markers with pregnancy)
2. ectopic pregnancy or hydatidform mole (although the doubling time for b-HCG in an ectopic pregnancy is less than that of a normal pregnancy - and b-HCG is high and remains so with hydatidform moles)
3. could be anything (inflam markers and b-HCG take time to increase)
4. acute abdo, any other illness leading to inflammation.

Am i completely wrong? any help would be REALLY appreciated as i don't have access to the ob/gyns at my med school to ask them.

Sorry to post on your board and waste your time.
Thanks in advance
Kat

 

[yoni120]

In my opinion,the first choice is correct.
Obviate ectopic pregnancy and other illness.
May I ask you the meanings of phases:normal inflammatory markers;raised inflammatory markers.
If yon answer me,thanks a lot.

 

[THP]

You are asking us to do your homework for you. Each one of those scenarios has a lengthy DDX. For example #1 can be normal pregnancy, ectopic, constipation, gall stones, kidney stone, hemorrhagic cyst, etc. There are only a few ways that a +UPT can change your differential. The question doesn't mention anything about gestational age. No one is going to list a whole differential for abdominal pain for you.

Also beta HCG is not an inflammatory marker.