Methotrexate injection of tubal ectopic pregnancy. A logical evolution?
OBJECTIVE
To test the efficacy and possible side effects of a single 20 mg dose of methotrexate injected at the time of laparoscopy, in the treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy.


METHODS
The study was a non-randomised non-blinded prospective clinical trial.


METHODS
The study was carried out at two tertiary referral hospitals.


METHODS
Eighteen patients with unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancies and in a stable haemodynamic condition were offered entry into the study and all of these agreed.


METHODS
At diagnostic laparoscopy, 20 mg of methotrexate in 0.8 mL was injected by fine needle in or around the ectopic gestation.


RESULTS
Patients were followed up as outpatients by serial blood tests until resolution of the ectopic pregnancy was demonstrated by a return of the level of beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin to the normal range.


RESULTS
There was one failure of treatment. The ectopic pregnancy resolved in the remaining 17 patients. There were no side effects attributable to methotrexate and tubal patency was demonstrated in the eight patients tested by hysterosalpingography.
Thompson
G R
GR
King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, WA.
O'Shea
R T
RT
Seman
E
E
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011274:Pregnancy, Tubal / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D008727:Methotrexate