The conservative management of interstitial pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic methotrexate in the treatment of interstitial pregnancy.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
An Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit in a London teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twenty consecutive women diagnosed with an interstitial pregnancy.


METHODS
Women were diagnosed with an interstitial pregnancy based on transvaginal ultrasound findings. Single dose, intramuscular methotrexate was administered on day 0. A second dose of methotrexate was given if the beta-hCG levels had not fallen by 15% between days four and seven. Weekly follow up continued until the serum beta-hCG < 5 IU.


METHODS
The resolution of serum beta-hCG levels without the need for surgical intervention.


RESULTS
Two hundred and ninety-three ectopic gestations were diagnosed over a 42-month period. Twenty of these were interstitial in nature, with a median initial serum beta-hCG of 6452 IU. Of the 20 interstitial pregnancies, 17 cases received systemic methotrexate. Sixteen were treated successfully (94%), including all of the four cases with fetal heart activity present. A second methotrexate dose was given to six patients. Two cases were managed expectantly. Two cases underwent laparotomy and cornual resection: one elected for surgical management at the outset and one as a result of suspected ectopic rupture after two doses of methotrexate. There were no other complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Systemic methotrexate is a safe and highly effective treatment for interstitial pregnancy. Surgery can be avoided in the majority of women with this condition. Early recognition of the cornual pregnancy with transvaginal ultrasound is essential.
Jermy
Karen
K
Gynaecological Ultrasound and Minimal Access Surgery Unit, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK.
Thomas
James
J
Doo
Alex
A
Bourne
Tom
T
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000293:Adolescent; 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*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D008727:Methotrexate