[Single-dose intramuscular methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy].
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy and indication of single-dose intramuscular methotrexate to treat early ectopic pregnancy were explored.


METHODS
27 cases of ectopic pregnancy were treated by single-dose intramuscular methotrexate (50 mg/m2) without citrovorum rescue. The beta-hCG was monitored regularly till it became normal. Twelve of them recieved this regimen in outpatient service.


RESULTS
24 cases (88.9%) were successfully treated. Three failed and switched to operation. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in gestational age and size of adnexa ectopic mass between successful cases and failed cases, but highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in occurrence rate of abdominal pain and beta-hCG titers before treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The early diagnosis and adherence to strict criteria are the keys to successful management. No abdominal pain, ectopic mass < or = 5 cm in greatest dimension and titer of serum beta-hCG < 6000 IU/L were mainly indications of drug treatment.
Liu
Z
Z
Peking Union Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.
Lang
J
J
Huang
R
R
D000328:Adult; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D008727:Methotrexate