title: Ectopic pregnancy. Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms minimizing surgical intervention.
abstract: Presented are the results of a diagnostic algorithm for ectopic pregnancy incorporating history, physical examination, quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), serum progesterone, color-flow vaginal Doppler sonography and endometrial curettage as well as a treatment algorithm combining expectant, medical and surgical management. These algorithms resulted in: (1) earlier diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, with fewer ruptured ectopic pregnancies; (2) virtual elimination of diagnostic laparoscopy; (3) elimination of culdocentesis; (4) greater use of methotrexate; and (5) increased use of expectant (i.e., nonsurgical and nonmedical) treatment. These algorithms are potentially applicable in other clinical settings and should be considered for use on at-risk populations or when the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is in question.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis.
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Stovall
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Ling
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011374:Progesterone; D008727:Methotrexate