Analysis of three hundred fifteen ectopic pregnancies treated with single-dose methotrexate.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to review the largest single series of ectopic pregnancies treated with single-dose methotrexate reported to date.


METHODS
A review of 315 patients with unruptured ectopic pregnancies treated with single-dose methotrexate 50 mg/m2 from March 21, 1990, to March 1, 1997, was performed.


RESULTS
Overall 287 patients were successfully treated with methotrexate for a success rate of 90.1%. Six patients electively withdrew and requested surgery within 1 week of starting therapy. Excluding withdrawals the overall success rate was 92.9%. Ten patients with an ectopic pregnancy > 3.5 cm but < or = 4 cm in size were treated for a 90% success rate. Forty-four patients with positive ectopic cardiac activity were treated with an 87.5% success rate.


CONCLUSIONS
This large series indicates that single-dose intramuscular methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy is associated with an excellent overall success rate.
Lipscomb
G H
GH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA.
Bran
D
D
McCord
M L
ML
Portera
J C
JC
Ling
F W
FW
D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D008727:Methotrexate